Review: Status Update (#gaymers #1) by Annabeth Albert

Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He's a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister's wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he's left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.

That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geoarchaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah's hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.

Something doesn't add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he's ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it's even begun? ~ Goodreads


Source: e-arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Review:
I adore Albert's Portland Heat series and I highly recommend her books to readers who might be new to the M/M genre. They're always sweet, romantic and tug at your heartstrings. Status Update is no exception and is my new favorite book by this author.

Adrian and Noah are fantastic and real. They come together during odd, and sometimes awkwardly adorable circumstances but have major obstacles to overcome and I liked how Albert didn't rush the solutions. Although the road trip atmosphere speeds up the initial romance, the book actually takes place over a longer span of time, allowing the relationship to develop into something more substantial.

Status Update was full of swoony romantic moments but it also tackled more serious issues and took a more nuanced approach. For example, Adrian was already out and had a great support system so his view on it being more difficult for Noah to do the same often seemed pushy. But knowing more about Adrian’s background, I could see how he needed to protect himself and demand love and respect for himself in the relationship. For his part, Noah had to reconcile his faith – which was also tied to his career – and his sexuality. I felt like both sides were valid and Albert let both characters work through their issues on their own time frame.

Geeky gamers, road trips, dogs, family - this book has it all. I really loved this one!