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Gaymer Guys #1
Rivals
Finn:
The Cyclones are more than just a team to me—they’re my family. As captain, I give my all to make sure they’re taken care of. Sure, it doesn’t leave a lot of time for me, but I’ve always been able to ignore my own needs. Until Ryker.
I know he’s all talk. But it’s such dirty, distracting talk that it costs me and my team qualifying points. I shouldn’t let him get to me, but I want him in the worst way, and a hookup at a gaming convention seems as good a place as any to get over him.
But when he earns a spot with the Cyclones, all my hangups over this guy are brought to the forefront, 24/7. I expected to give in to my attraction again, but I never thought he’d become an integral part of my team… and my life.
Ryker:
Beating the Cyclones isn’t just about bragging rights for me. It’s about proving to my dad—and myself—that I’m worth more than the internship he’s oh-so-generously offered me.
There’s only one problem: I’ve been low-key obsessed with their captain, Finn, for the better part of a year. He’s everything I want, and everything I want to be—driven, talented, passionate. He also hates my guts, which honestly only makes me want him more.
But it only takes one insanely hot encounter to tell me I won’t be getting him out of my system anytime soon. And when I finally have the opportunity to join the Cyclones and pursue my dream, the one thing I want most of all is him.
Rivals is the first book in a brand new series! While all these books feature gaming and geekery, you don't have to be a self-professed gamer to enjoy them. If you like the idea of hot, adorkable nerds falling in love, you're in the right place.
The Cyclones are more than just a team to me—they’re my family. As captain, I give my all to make sure they’re taken care of. Sure, it doesn’t leave a lot of time for me, but I’ve always been able to ignore my own needs. Until Ryker.
I know he’s all talk. But it’s such dirty, distracting talk that it costs me and my team qualifying points. I shouldn’t let him get to me, but I want him in the worst way, and a hookup at a gaming convention seems as good a place as any to get over him.
But when he earns a spot with the Cyclones, all my hangups over this guy are brought to the forefront, 24/7. I expected to give in to my attraction again, but I never thought he’d become an integral part of my team… and my life.
Ryker:
Beating the Cyclones isn’t just about bragging rights for me. It’s about proving to my dad—and myself—that I’m worth more than the internship he’s oh-so-generously offered me.
There’s only one problem: I’ve been low-key obsessed with their captain, Finn, for the better part of a year. He’s everything I want, and everything I want to be—driven, talented, passionate. He also hates my guts, which honestly only makes me want him more.
But it only takes one insanely hot encounter to tell me I won’t be getting him out of my system anytime soon. And when I finally have the opportunity to join the Cyclones and pursue my dream, the one thing I want most of all is him.
Rivals is the first book in a brand new series! While all these books feature gaming and geekery, you don't have to be a self-professed gamer to enjoy them. If you like the idea of hot, adorkable nerds falling in love, you're in the right place.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2018
60 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 3, 2020
So here's the thing. I believe that you might have to be some kind of gamer to actually enjoy this. If not, it might become boring. There's a lot of gaming on page. A lot of talk about gaming. A lot of gaming terms. You get it. I absolutely loved it though.
Finn and Ryker had so much chemistry. Especially in the beginning when they were communicating through text and sort of hated each other. The sex was so hot, and there's a lot of sex. Sure there was a lot of drama, but it made sense. The gaming community is very dramatic.
I couldn't put this book down. Even if I tried to. Sadly there's no other books published.
Finn and Ryker had so much chemistry. Especially in the beginning when they were communicating through text and sort of hated each other. The sex was so hot, and there's a lot of sex. Sure there was a lot of drama, but it made sense. The gaming community is very dramatic.
I couldn't put this book down. Even if I tried to. Sadly there's no other books published.
Read
October 10, 2018I will not be rating this. I'm not into gaming at all, and I struggled to finish this book. I was hoping the gaming aspect would be more of a back drop, but there was just too much of it for my taste. If you are into that, you would probably enjoy it much more. That's why it didn't seem fair for me to rate it because it just didn't work for me personally.
Want to read
December 20, 2020Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US, 12/20/20
December 9, 2018
I wouldn't call this one PWP, but it lacked the depth I was looking for. All sex and a little bit of actual romance. Those looking for a steamy read, have at it!
October 16, 2018
Finn is the captain of a professional gaming team. Ryker is the captain of a rival team. They like to antagonize each other and get under the skin of each other. Their interactions have so far only been online but are set to meet when both teams play in the same live tournament.
"I'm a little afraid of what might happen if we are in the same place at the same time. I'm afraid I'll give in to that dark, needy desire he somehow managed to bring out in me, or he'll just laugh in my face and tell me it was all a lie.
I'm more afraid he'll tell me it isn't. "
Their chemistry and attraction is off the charts..
"Team-wise, job-wise, everything's peachy. When it comes to me not wanting to jump his bones every time I see him? Yeah, can't say I'm making much progress there."
I enjoyed this enemies to lovers story about friends and the family you make. As a non gamer there was lot of gaming lingo I didn't understand and although I was able to follow most of what was going on, I would have liked a glossary to make it easier.
"I'm a little afraid of what might happen if we are in the same place at the same time. I'm afraid I'll give in to that dark, needy desire he somehow managed to bring out in me, or he'll just laugh in my face and tell me it was all a lie.
I'm more afraid he'll tell me it isn't. "
Their chemistry and attraction is off the charts..
"Team-wise, job-wise, everything's peachy. When it comes to me not wanting to jump his bones every time I see him? Yeah, can't say I'm making much progress there."
I enjoyed this enemies to lovers story about friends and the family you make. As a non gamer there was lot of gaming lingo I didn't understand and although I was able to follow most of what was going on, I would have liked a glossary to make it easier.
October 24, 2018
Funnily enough… there was way too much sex in this IMHO. I had to bump this down a notch for that alone. I wanted more relationship and less humping. They thought about having sex. Had sex. Then thought about how they had sex. It was too much.
I was very captivated by the enemies to lovers, but sometimes the ages of the MCs felt off – at times too young and others too mature. Inconsistent definitely. But - maybe - some of that was them growing... hard to tell.
However, the gaming stuff sounded legit and fascinating and I’m stoked for a new series! Sometimes I was overwhelmed by all the gaming jargon, but it was mostly done in a way that non gamers cold follow.
Recommended!
I was very captivated by the enemies to lovers, but sometimes the ages of the MCs felt off – at times too young and others too mature. Inconsistent definitely. But - maybe - some of that was them growing... hard to tell.
However, the gaming stuff sounded legit and fascinating and I’m stoked for a new series! Sometimes I was overwhelmed by all the gaming jargon, but it was mostly done in a way that non gamers cold follow.
Recommended!
October 11, 2018
Love it.
Fun, beautiful, interesting.
It's easy enough to understand the game talk, it does not overpower the story.
Both guys aren't perfect and I really enjoy that. They make mistake and they do better next time. These two are really sweet with each other and quite hot.
I can't wait for more in this world!
Fun, beautiful, interesting.
It's easy enough to understand the game talk, it does not overpower the story.
Both guys aren't perfect and I really enjoy that. They make mistake and they do better next time. These two are really sweet with each other and quite hot.
I can't wait for more in this world!
February 2, 2021
Read for a group challenge. Probably the first book I’ve read that deals with pro gaming. I liked it but it stressed me out. The Cyclones are a sweet group and so are Finn and Ryker. Everyone else...sheesh. Online trolls, homophobia, sexism, a shitty father and an amateur paparazzi. There was a lot and it almost killed the story for me. I felt so sorry for Ryker and I loved how he fit in with the team. The epilogue made me laugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2018
**4 stars**
Rivals is the story of two gamers - one a professional player (Finn) and the other, a semi-professional upcoming player (Ryker) who aspires to be a professional but lacks the opportunity to make the leap to doing it full-time.
I rate this story quite high due to one of my favourite troupes; the enemies/rivals to friends/lovers. Both MCs didn’t like each other when the story opened, however as the plot furthered, they both grew to understand each other better and eventually to friends/lovers. Both characters were also distinct in their separate POVs and likeable which is a huge plus.
As a gamer and having been deep into the esports scene, I really enjoy video games as a concept in stories. However one thing to note is that the game that they play “Estalia Online”, it’s esports is nothing like what exists today. It’s a competitive MMORPG based on raiding; basically teams’ performance is based on how fast they clear the raid. At times, I found this idea both interesting but also not as believable (from a conflict, plot and audience viewing basis) due to the fact that this sort of game doesn’t exist as an esport today.
I also felt that Ryker’s issues and back story lacked depth and conflict, and Finn wasn’t as explored as he could have been potentially (he does talking to queer youth about navigating the gaming industry? Which we don’t hear much about), or a side character I was interested in, Rosa, we understand she has conflict being the only female professional player in a male dominated industry, but no depth either.
Overall, really enjoyed the read and really keen on the next installments of the series.
** Arc provided in exchange for an honest review by the author **
Rivals is the story of two gamers - one a professional player (Finn) and the other, a semi-professional upcoming player (Ryker) who aspires to be a professional but lacks the opportunity to make the leap to doing it full-time.
I rate this story quite high due to one of my favourite troupes; the enemies/rivals to friends/lovers. Both MCs didn’t like each other when the story opened, however as the plot furthered, they both grew to understand each other better and eventually to friends/lovers. Both characters were also distinct in their separate POVs and likeable which is a huge plus.
As a gamer and having been deep into the esports scene, I really enjoy video games as a concept in stories. However one thing to note is that the game that they play “Estalia Online”, it’s esports is nothing like what exists today. It’s a competitive MMORPG based on raiding; basically teams’ performance is based on how fast they clear the raid. At times, I found this idea both interesting but also not as believable (from a conflict, plot and audience viewing basis) due to the fact that this sort of game doesn’t exist as an esport today.
I also felt that Ryker’s issues and back story lacked depth and conflict, and Finn wasn’t as explored as he could have been potentially (he does talking to queer youth about navigating the gaming industry? Which we don’t hear much about), or a side character I was interested in, Rosa, we understand she has conflict being the only female professional player in a male dominated industry, but no depth either.
Overall, really enjoyed the read and really keen on the next installments of the series.
** Arc provided in exchange for an honest review by the author **
October 15, 2018
Rivals is one of Alison Hendricks better attempts at M/M romance however, unsuprisingly, I still found it lacking. It's a cool concept where gamer geeks find love, have hot sex and play the latest games to their hearts content but I personally didn't care for the gaming aspect of the plot and Ryker and Finn's relationship felt very fictional. Yes technically it is romantic fiction however when you read about characters it shouldn't feel that way, at least that's what I think.
In terms of romance this story didn't do much for me, everything felt rushed and anti climatic. I didn't believe in Finn and Ryker's love because one minute they were fucking like bunnies and the next each seemed to have caught feelings for the other and right on the heels of that line of bullshit declarations of love were made. There was nothing more to this story other than gaming tournaments, Ryker's daddy issues and Finn's Mr Perfect charade. I would forever require more depth from this author and after reading 6 or 7 books from her I doubt there's anymore depth than this mainstream, sub standard, underwhelming farce of fairytale fodder.
It's a whatever from me, read if you like, I just don't care.
the End.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
In terms of romance this story didn't do much for me, everything felt rushed and anti climatic. I didn't believe in Finn and Ryker's love because one minute they were fucking like bunnies and the next each seemed to have caught feelings for the other and right on the heels of that line of bullshit declarations of love were made. There was nothing more to this story other than gaming tournaments, Ryker's daddy issues and Finn's Mr Perfect charade. I would forever require more depth from this author and after reading 6 or 7 books from her I doubt there's anymore depth than this mainstream, sub standard, underwhelming farce of fairytale fodder.
It's a whatever from me, read if you like, I just don't care.
the End.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
November 11, 2018
FUN, DIFFERENT, AND SEXY!
Finn and Ryker make amazing rivals, I loved the banter between these two. Their chemistry is off the charts! When they both start playing for the Cyclones team, the fire between them grows into something stronger. The playing both on and off the computer become intense. There is a lot at stake, and I loved finding out if they were able to put everything on the line, for the win!
I found the story-line was different yet fun and interesting. I am not exactly into gaming at all but it still kept me turning the pages. Great start to a new series!
If your a fan of Enemies-to-Lovers, and M/M stories, pick this book up! To me I found you don't need to know anything really about gaming to enjoy this book!
Finn and Ryker make amazing rivals, I loved the banter between these two. Their chemistry is off the charts! When they both start playing for the Cyclones team, the fire between them grows into something stronger. The playing both on and off the computer become intense. There is a lot at stake, and I loved finding out if they were able to put everything on the line, for the win!
I found the story-line was different yet fun and interesting. I am not exactly into gaming at all but it still kept me turning the pages. Great start to a new series!
If your a fan of Enemies-to-Lovers, and M/M stories, pick this book up! To me I found you don't need to know anything really about gaming to enjoy this book!
November 3, 2023
Thank you Secret Elf for the gift!
October 8, 2018
A good enemies-to-lovers story with rising emotions, snarky banter, and lots of hot sex.
Finn and Ryker are on competing online gamer teams, and through their online interactions are more enemies than friends. That changes when they meet at a gamer convention. The chemistry and sexual tension are undeniable, showing there is a thin line between hate and lust.
I liked the snarkiness between them as they are not after each other’s throats, but they just like to banter. The sex between them is scorching hot. But it is more than that. Finn has every reason to question Ryker’s attitude because he has not the best track record, but there is something about Ryker that got to Finn. Even with all his doubts, Finn is open-minded enough not to take Ryker at face value. He sees that Ryker is wearing a mask, hiding the real man inside. Ryker is fighting to break free from his father’s influences and to stand on his own, and who can blame him if he sometimes lashes out. Not wise, but I liked that he knows and that he learns from his mistakes.
I am not familiar with online gaming, and even though it gave me an intriguing view of what it’s about, I found it too detailed and something I am not interested in. As it takes up a good deal of the book, it did spoil some of the pleasure of reading this book.
Finn and Ryker are on competing online gamer teams, and through their online interactions are more enemies than friends. That changes when they meet at a gamer convention. The chemistry and sexual tension are undeniable, showing there is a thin line between hate and lust.
I liked the snarkiness between them as they are not after each other’s throats, but they just like to banter. The sex between them is scorching hot. But it is more than that. Finn has every reason to question Ryker’s attitude because he has not the best track record, but there is something about Ryker that got to Finn. Even with all his doubts, Finn is open-minded enough not to take Ryker at face value. He sees that Ryker is wearing a mask, hiding the real man inside. Ryker is fighting to break free from his father’s influences and to stand on his own, and who can blame him if he sometimes lashes out. Not wise, but I liked that he knows and that he learns from his mistakes.
I am not familiar with online gaming, and even though it gave me an intriguing view of what it’s about, I found it too detailed and something I am not interested in. As it takes up a good deal of the book, it did spoil some of the pleasure of reading this book.
May 11, 2019
Alison Kendricks does not disappoint, especially when it comes to rivals who are secretly sexually drawn to each other. Never having played a video game in my life, I had reservations about whether I could get into this title. But a rivalry is a rivalry, and the game itself is background tension.
If enemies-to-lovers spins your wheels (as it does mine), Kendricks always delivers.
One aspect of her writing that resonates in particular involves the bedroom (or, in this novel, the bathroom and the gym as well). The buildups for the MCs sexual fireworks feel authentic, deserved, and so the hot scenes are not merely stitched in for a reader's prurience. They spring organically from the characters and the narrative. As one who often skims the sex scenes in less integrated novels, I appreciate Kendricks' graphics because she's good at describing them, but also because they never seem gratuitous.
If enemies-to-lovers spins your wheels (as it does mine), Kendricks always delivers.
One aspect of her writing that resonates in particular involves the bedroom (or, in this novel, the bathroom and the gym as well). The buildups for the MCs sexual fireworks feel authentic, deserved, and so the hot scenes are not merely stitched in for a reader's prurience. They spring organically from the characters and the narrative. As one who often skims the sex scenes in less integrated novels, I appreciate Kendricks' graphics because she's good at describing them, but also because they never seem gratuitous.
October 7, 2018
This book gave me a book hangover. I could not put it down at all.
Ryker is a young, frustrated, misunderstood guy who just wants to make his dreams come true. When his father keeps pushing him away from his dreams, Ryker tends to act out. This has caused some drama in his gaming world.
When he finally gets his dreams to come true he almost loses it all including the one guy who has fallen in love with.
This book is the first in a new series by Alison and I am hooked already. The characters are people you can relate to. Be in from the frustrations of parents, social media, friends, and even family. Alison just has a way of making you invested in their story not just personally but also with their "careers". I can't wait to see what else she has planned for this series.
Ryker is a young, frustrated, misunderstood guy who just wants to make his dreams come true. When his father keeps pushing him away from his dreams, Ryker tends to act out. This has caused some drama in his gaming world.
When he finally gets his dreams to come true he almost loses it all including the one guy who has fallen in love with.
This book is the first in a new series by Alison and I am hooked already. The characters are people you can relate to. Be in from the frustrations of parents, social media, friends, and even family. Alison just has a way of making you invested in their story not just personally but also with their "careers". I can't wait to see what else she has planned for this series.
July 10, 2021
Sooo I read all these reviews saying there was just too much gaming and I was like... ugh y'all picky bastards... Well jokes on me lol because they were right 😶 I know nothing about gaming at all. I thought this would be a book about romance but I honestly could not see any romance at all. It's gaming tournaments and gaming practices and gaming for fun and gaming for money and occasionally the author threw in some sex and supposed feelings... Very very meh... the sex was hot though but I skimmed after the first scene because I personally have to connect with characters to enjoy their sex scenes. That did not happen here. Ugh I'm bummed... I need a good romance with no angst and cheating 😤 Well atleast there's no cheating here nor angst... but there's no romance either sooo...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2022
At the very first the story didn’t grab me. I’ve been exposed to friend, gamers, and cons, so that wasn’t it. But somewhere along the line I found myself totally engrossed, emotionally involved and I couldn’t put the book down till it was finished! Definitely want more in this series.
October 6, 2018
4 STARS
October 9, 2018
One word: gaming!
I do not consider myself much of a gamer, only play a few games but when I play, I am all-in, 101% percent focused and involved, just as, actually, with anything, including reading. Hell, I bought myself a gaming console and moon over the games as much as I do with books.
In this, it was nice, seeing a team of people so dedicated to something that many still consider "just a game" and for others can not only be a real business but their whole life.
The romance part was nice enough also.
I do not consider myself much of a gamer, only play a few games but when I play, I am all-in, 101% percent focused and involved, just as, actually, with anything, including reading. Hell, I bought myself a gaming console and moon over the games as much as I do with books.
In this, it was nice, seeing a team of people so dedicated to something that many still consider "just a game" and for others can not only be a real business but their whole life.
The romance part was nice enough also.
March 21, 2021
Finn and Ryker are on opposite gamer teams, and they frequently play against each other. There is a strong attraction from each of the guys, but acting on it can affect their gaming. Luckily their awesome banter and super hot chemistry wins out and we get some amazing scenes between these two guys. I liked watching them come together, and the snark was strong in this. I really enjoyed it.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
October 18, 2018
Proving your worth is more than just doing your job. For Finn it's giving all his time, talent, and focus to the Cyclones. They're his family and being successful in the gaming world is what he's dedicated himself to. But there's one big distraction: a hot yet annoyingly antagonistic rival. Ryker, along with proving to his father that gaming is a legitimate career, is obsessed with Finn and his bids for attention become inflammatory more often than not. Hooking up at a convention becomes more when they end up on the same team but nothing is ever that easy. With something to lose on either side of the rivalry Finn and Ryker will have to focus on what's most important if they want success both on and offline.
It was really difficult to like Ryker in the beginning. He was childish, arrogant, irritating, reactionary, and pessimistic. He was also vulnerable, yearning for love, fun, and intelligent. By taking a little while to see his better side we got to know all his facets really well and I couldn't help but feel for him. There was a bit of him that needed to be loved, cared for, and carried before he could settle and meet his true potential. As the story came to its conclusion it was clear that it wasn't just Finn that needed to be his home, it was the whole team and we got to see him really blossom.
Finn, on the other hand, was the most giving soul and I hoped so hard that he'd find the latitude necessary to achieve his life balance. He gave all of himself and rarely stopped to fill his own reservoirs. While I wasn't exactly thrilled that he was so easily distracted during the gaming situations, I wasn't too upset because it was honestly the first time he was so consumed by not just attraction, but hope for someone else that he was bound to need a longer adjustment period. By the end he got his own version of settling as he and Ryker found love, family, friendship, and belonging.
Together they were crazy hot. There were sparks all over the place, both the antagonistic kind as well as passionate. I don't really feel their relationship got enough in the way of give and take though. Ryker needed his hand held a lot so more time and attention was given to his evolution and it felt like Finn's was more of a byproduct of the situation instead of a driving force behind both of their goals.
It's also important to mention that the whole thing was heavy on the gaming terminology, world, and just about everything else you can imagine. I was quite lost in the beginning until I accepted that there are just some things I wouldn't understand. When I took the story as a whole rather than trying to grasp all the gaming stuff, I found that it was much easier to read.
With a slow start I was wary of how much I'd end up liking the story but both men and the concepts of family and forgiveness drove it deep, drove it home. I was surprised to have enjoyed the story as much as I did.
It was really difficult to like Ryker in the beginning. He was childish, arrogant, irritating, reactionary, and pessimistic. He was also vulnerable, yearning for love, fun, and intelligent. By taking a little while to see his better side we got to know all his facets really well and I couldn't help but feel for him. There was a bit of him that needed to be loved, cared for, and carried before he could settle and meet his true potential. As the story came to its conclusion it was clear that it wasn't just Finn that needed to be his home, it was the whole team and we got to see him really blossom.
Finn, on the other hand, was the most giving soul and I hoped so hard that he'd find the latitude necessary to achieve his life balance. He gave all of himself and rarely stopped to fill his own reservoirs. While I wasn't exactly thrilled that he was so easily distracted during the gaming situations, I wasn't too upset because it was honestly the first time he was so consumed by not just attraction, but hope for someone else that he was bound to need a longer adjustment period. By the end he got his own version of settling as he and Ryker found love, family, friendship, and belonging.
Together they were crazy hot. There were sparks all over the place, both the antagonistic kind as well as passionate. I don't really feel their relationship got enough in the way of give and take though. Ryker needed his hand held a lot so more time and attention was given to his evolution and it felt like Finn's was more of a byproduct of the situation instead of a driving force behind both of their goals.
It's also important to mention that the whole thing was heavy on the gaming terminology, world, and just about everything else you can imagine. I was quite lost in the beginning until I accepted that there are just some things I wouldn't understand. When I took the story as a whole rather than trying to grasp all the gaming stuff, I found that it was much easier to read.
With a slow start I was wary of how much I'd end up liking the story but both men and the concepts of family and forgiveness drove it deep, drove it home. I was surprised to have enjoyed the story as much as I did.
October 18, 2018
Rivals is the first Book of a series written by Alyson Hendricks whose action is placed in the world of E-Sport. I had a lot of fun reading it and discovering the characters and the universe that the author has created. In addition to the book is full of hot sex scenes, which adds a nice plus.
As its title suggests, Rivals' plot or at least its basis is based on rivalry. The rivalry between 2 teams, The Cyclones and Victoria, and between two men, Ryker and Finn. Alison Hendricks has done a remarkable job on this point. From the first chapter we watch their exchanges and their pikes, and even when their relationship evolves this rivalry still has its place in the novel. I liked that they do not go from "we hate each other" to "we love each other". No, the transition takes time and we see it in all aspects of their relationship, even during intimate moments where little by little, tenderness and feelings interfere in sex.
Regarding the characters, the author has done a great job on Ryker, on his inner conflicts, his difficulties in managing his insecurities and his exchanges with his cold, authoritarian and contemptuous father. I really liked the evolution of the character. We discovered him in the first pages as a real asshole before little by little unveil new aspects of his personalities to ultimately be faced with a character full of insecurities and who knew little to no affection.
Finn is also an interesting character. In the first chapters, the author presents us with a very straightforward character, a team captain who puts his people first and a committed man with very strong principles and values. However, little by little in contact with Ryker, he gradually flourishes in his relationship until the end manage to find the perfect balance between his responsibilities as captain and his personal life.
The qualities I have just mentioned are mainly due to the pen of the author. I really liked her style and the balance she managed to keep between story and sex scenes. I liked that she gave her characters time to discover themselves and that she did not make the point of passing them from hatred to love after one leg of hot sex. I really liked the realism of the relationship.
To conclude, rivals was an excellent read and a very good entry into this new series in the world of E-sport and I look forward to discover the next volumes. In addition, it was for me the opportunity to discover a new author whose style I appreciated and which I think I would read the other works.
As its title suggests, Rivals' plot or at least its basis is based on rivalry. The rivalry between 2 teams, The Cyclones and Victoria, and between two men, Ryker and Finn. Alison Hendricks has done a remarkable job on this point. From the first chapter we watch their exchanges and their pikes, and even when their relationship evolves this rivalry still has its place in the novel. I liked that they do not go from "we hate each other" to "we love each other". No, the transition takes time and we see it in all aspects of their relationship, even during intimate moments where little by little, tenderness and feelings interfere in sex.
Regarding the characters, the author has done a great job on Ryker, on his inner conflicts, his difficulties in managing his insecurities and his exchanges with his cold, authoritarian and contemptuous father. I really liked the evolution of the character. We discovered him in the first pages as a real asshole before little by little unveil new aspects of his personalities to ultimately be faced with a character full of insecurities and who knew little to no affection.
Finn is also an interesting character. In the first chapters, the author presents us with a very straightforward character, a team captain who puts his people first and a committed man with very strong principles and values. However, little by little in contact with Ryker, he gradually flourishes in his relationship until the end manage to find the perfect balance between his responsibilities as captain and his personal life.
The qualities I have just mentioned are mainly due to the pen of the author. I really liked her style and the balance she managed to keep between story and sex scenes. I liked that she gave her characters time to discover themselves and that she did not make the point of passing them from hatred to love after one leg of hot sex. I really liked the realism of the relationship.
To conclude, rivals was an excellent read and a very good entry into this new series in the world of E-sport and I look forward to discover the next volumes. In addition, it was for me the opportunity to discover a new author whose style I appreciated and which I think I would read the other works.
October 5, 2018
I'm not really familiar with the whole MMO game world, I was more into games like Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy and Thief when I was playing:) And even if I didn't get all the terminology I really enjoyed the book.
Finn and Ryker are on opposite, rival teams and while Finns team is more of a frinds/family team, Rykers team is not close and quite dysfunctional.
Ryker has been taunting Finn over social media but when their teams are invited to play together and they meet for the first time they find out that the attraction between them is mutual.
And when Ryker wants the open spot on Finns team things are suddenly getting real.
I love a good enemies to lovers book and a reformed bad boy and this is just up that alley.
Ryker has a lot on his plate with a douche of a dad, homophobic teammates and a temper that gets him in trouble. But he's also trying to do the right thing, has genuine feelings for Finn and just wants something good in his life.
And Finn, who hasn't had time for a life outside of gaming, can't resist Ryker and feelings gets involved even though he doesn't know if he can trust Ryker.
I really like the dynamic between Finn and Ryker and that they both have flaws but also can forgive and forget. And bonus to Ryker for walking around in just a towel to make Finn hot;)
This book was a great start to a new series.
Finn and Ryker are on opposite, rival teams and while Finns team is more of a frinds/family team, Rykers team is not close and quite dysfunctional.
Ryker has been taunting Finn over social media but when their teams are invited to play together and they meet for the first time they find out that the attraction between them is mutual.
And when Ryker wants the open spot on Finns team things are suddenly getting real.
I love a good enemies to lovers book and a reformed bad boy and this is just up that alley.
Ryker has a lot on his plate with a douche of a dad, homophobic teammates and a temper that gets him in trouble. But he's also trying to do the right thing, has genuine feelings for Finn and just wants something good in his life.
And Finn, who hasn't had time for a life outside of gaming, can't resist Ryker and feelings gets involved even though he doesn't know if he can trust Ryker.
I really like the dynamic between Finn and Ryker and that they both have flaws but also can forgive and forget. And bonus to Ryker for walking around in just a towel to make Finn hot;)
This book was a great start to a new series.
December 19, 2018
Finn is a professional gamer who is the Team captain of The Cyclones. He gives everything he can to his team, they are his family and deserve his best. It doesnt leave much time time to indulge in his own personal needs... but when he meets Ryker, a quick hookup seems like a good idea.
Ryker fantasized about Finn before they met in person. But he needs to crush the competition in order to prove that he is good enough to make gaming a career, nor just a hobby, and that means beating the Cyclones. And then Eventually becoming part of their team.
When Finn and Ryker meet up again, now on the same team, will the two men repeat the heat of that convention hookup? Or will they try to win it all in the game of love? Either way, it's gonna be hot.
Rivals is the first book in the Gaymer Guys series by Alison Hendricks. It is an amazing start to a promising series. If the first book is a taste of what's to come, Gaymer Guys is going to be a fun and sexy ride.
I loved the storyline - Rivals turn teammates turn lovers. Add in extremely hot sexy times, funny moments, the drama of a demanding father, and you have a fun and tantalizing read. Can not wait to see the rest of the series play out.
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy and voluntarily am leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Ryker fantasized about Finn before they met in person. But he needs to crush the competition in order to prove that he is good enough to make gaming a career, nor just a hobby, and that means beating the Cyclones. And then Eventually becoming part of their team.
When Finn and Ryker meet up again, now on the same team, will the two men repeat the heat of that convention hookup? Or will they try to win it all in the game of love? Either way, it's gonna be hot.
Rivals is the first book in the Gaymer Guys series by Alison Hendricks. It is an amazing start to a promising series. If the first book is a taste of what's to come, Gaymer Guys is going to be a fun and sexy ride.
I loved the storyline - Rivals turn teammates turn lovers. Add in extremely hot sexy times, funny moments, the drama of a demanding father, and you have a fun and tantalizing read. Can not wait to see the rest of the series play out.
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy and voluntarily am leaving my honest review and recommendation.
October 6, 2018
I absolutely loved this book in the new Gaymer Guys series! Finn makes his living as a professional gamer. He belongs to a team called the Cyclones....he is the captain of this team and he takes that responsibility very seriously. So seriously that it doesn't leave much time for a personal life but his interactions with a certain gamer has him thinking differently. Ryker has always had a crush of sorts on Finn. He takes gaming seriously and wants to make a career out of it despise what his father says. He knows that its more than a hobby for him and he will prove to everyone that he has what it takes to make it. When the opportunity presents itself to join the Cyclones, Ryker jumps all over that. Not only is this chance to make is dream a reality he gets a chance to be with Finn. Finn is all Ryker can think of after their hot hookup at a convention....its a win win for Ryker. Can Ryker and Finn make a relationship work while being teammates and other outside forces making things difficult? I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait for more books in this series. I highly recommend....well done!!!!!
October 6, 2018
My first book by this author and it definitely won’t be the last!
My inner gamer girl squealed in delight when I found out about this book and it was then I knew I would love it!
And love it I did! From the very first page I was hooked, wanting to find out more not only about Finn and Ryker, but the rest of their team.
The tension and banter between the two of them on screen was crazy hot!
And when they finally meet, wow does it only get hotter between Finn and Ryker!
After a whirlwind weekend of gaming and other side games, they can’t stop thinking about each other, so when a position opens up on the Cyclones, it’s the perfect start for the journey of lust, trusting in yourself and others and building more with someone who you share a deep connection with!
It had me so caught up in their world, I felt like I was apart of it. I just wanted to join the Cyclones so I could really feel involved!
Loved the MC’s, loved the secondary characters and the story line and I really cannot wait for more Gaymer Guys ❤️❤️
My inner gamer girl squealed in delight when I found out about this book and it was then I knew I would love it!
And love it I did! From the very first page I was hooked, wanting to find out more not only about Finn and Ryker, but the rest of their team.
The tension and banter between the two of them on screen was crazy hot!
And when they finally meet, wow does it only get hotter between Finn and Ryker!
After a whirlwind weekend of gaming and other side games, they can’t stop thinking about each other, so when a position opens up on the Cyclones, it’s the perfect start for the journey of lust, trusting in yourself and others and building more with someone who you share a deep connection with!
It had me so caught up in their world, I felt like I was apart of it. I just wanted to join the Cyclones so I could really feel involved!
Loved the MC’s, loved the secondary characters and the story line and I really cannot wait for more Gaymer Guys ❤️❤️
October 7, 2018
I loved this book and it makes me really want to read the rest of the books in the series and they aren't even out yet. This is a great faux-enemies to lovers story. The guys don't hate each other, but they think the other one hates them.
Finn is openly gay and tries to be a good remodel for other gay players. He takes his title as team captain seriously and thinks about the team and the game constantly. Ryker loves playing and is one of the best plays in his character type, but he can't stand the bigotry that runs rampant in his team. He isn't out about being gay and he goes about expressing his interest in Finn in an immature way.
The guys have admit their feelings to themselves and to each other. They have a rocky road that they have to battle through and a lot of road blocks that they need to conquer in their lives and their game.
I loved the characters and I laughed at the guts and cried with them. This is a great story and a great way to start a new series.
I received an ARC of this from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.
Finn is openly gay and tries to be a good remodel for other gay players. He takes his title as team captain seriously and thinks about the team and the game constantly. Ryker loves playing and is one of the best plays in his character type, but he can't stand the bigotry that runs rampant in his team. He isn't out about being gay and he goes about expressing his interest in Finn in an immature way.
The guys have admit their feelings to themselves and to each other. They have a rocky road that they have to battle through and a lot of road blocks that they need to conquer in their lives and their game.
I loved the characters and I laughed at the guts and cried with them. This is a great story and a great way to start a new series.
I received an ARC of this from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.
September 27, 2019
I dont know alot about gaming culture since that aint my shtick, so the first several pages lost me and keep me from engaging. Im all about putting enough research material to make to plot believable, but understand that you are going to turn off readers who are just reading not trying to pick up a new hobby.
The story is basically enemies to lovers which can be great depending on the writer and this one delivers... You can feel their annoyance and lust at every turn.
One sticking point I dont get is Ryker's relationship with his father.
Does his dad own him or something?
If your parents are DIVORCED, why would your dad be calling you if something happened to your mom? Why not your mom?
If you quit working for your dad, move out of state, that should be a big red flag that you are done. The whole 8gs a month thing was stupid.
The story is basically enemies to lovers which can be great depending on the writer and this one delivers... You can feel their annoyance and lust at every turn.
One sticking point I dont get is Ryker's relationship with his father.
Does his dad own him or something?
If your parents are DIVORCED, why would your dad be calling you if something happened to your mom? Why not your mom?
If you quit working for your dad, move out of state, that should be a big red flag that you are done. The whole 8gs a month thing was stupid.
October 6, 2018
4.5*
This is a frienemies to lovers story about two pro-gamers, This is a world I know nothing about and most of the terminology is completely foreign to me, I didn't get the appeal before but have more of an appreciation of the work involved now, but my lack of knowledge did not detract from the wonderfully descriptive world in which this book is set.
It is a low angst love story with two characters who seem so different at the beginning of their story finding common ground and a whole load of lust and heat which not only brings them together but keeps them together. I became quite invested in the couple and team which shows how to life this author brought them, I can't wait for what comes next in this vibrant series.
This is a frienemies to lovers story about two pro-gamers, This is a world I know nothing about and most of the terminology is completely foreign to me, I didn't get the appeal before but have more of an appreciation of the work involved now, but my lack of knowledge did not detract from the wonderfully descriptive world in which this book is set.
It is a low angst love story with two characters who seem so different at the beginning of their story finding common ground and a whole load of lust and heat which not only brings them together but keeps them together. I became quite invested in the couple and team which shows how to life this author brought them, I can't wait for what comes next in this vibrant series.
October 17, 2018
3.75* Rivals is the first in the Gaymer Guys series by Alison Hendricks. Even though I’m not a gamer myself, I really enjoy those types of stories (maybe it’s my inner nerd) and this was a great start to the series.
Rivals features Finn and Ryker who have been competing against each other in the gaming world for a few years. Finn is the team captain of the Cyclones (one of the top gaming teams), and Ryker is holding together a motley crew of regular gamers. They first meet in person during a large convention and have a super-hot encounter, but leave to go back to different cities. When a spot opens up a bit later on the Cyclones’ team, Ryker earns the position under a few conditions and things start to get interesting between the two guys.
Rivals features Finn and Ryker who have been competing against each other in the gaming world for a few years. Finn is the team captain of the Cyclones (one of the top gaming teams), and Ryker is holding together a motley crew of regular gamers. They first meet in person during a large convention and have a super-hot encounter, but leave to go back to different cities. When a spot opens up a bit later on the Cyclones’ team, Ryker earns the position under a few conditions and things start to get interesting between the two guys.
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