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Gamers #4
Leveling the Field
Reclusive magazine exec Ethan Talley is furious when his business partner hires a photographer—a gorgeous photographer who insists on speaking her mind, damn it—to take pictures for an upcoming article. No matter how badly he wants the woman…under him, over him, against the nearest wall…he has reasons for not wanting to be on camera anymore, and his scars are only one of them.
It takes approximately two seconds for Lissa Kingsman to recognize Ethan as the popular YouTube gamer who fell off the planet years ago. But this Ethan is different than the charming man she used to watch, and the crush she had on him then is nothing compared to the way she’s lusting after the brooding man he is today. If sex is all he can give her, fine. Why not use that bearskin rug in her studio for something other than a prop? But she’s determined to put a chink in his armor, no matter how much he resists.
It takes approximately two seconds for Lissa Kingsman to recognize Ethan as the popular YouTube gamer who fell off the planet years ago. But this Ethan is different than the charming man she used to watch, and the crush she had on him then is nothing compared to the way she’s lusting after the brooding man he is today. If sex is all he can give her, fine. Why not use that bearskin rug in her studio for something other than a prop? But she’s determined to put a chink in his armor, no matter how much he resists.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2016
32 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Megan Erickson
48 books1,843 followersMegan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 11, 2016
I wanted this book.
I wanted this book SO BADLY.
I loved this book.
I loved this book SO MUCH.
I was fairly tempted to just leave that ^^ as my review (with maybe a few subliminal ‘buy it’ messages thrown in for good measure), but then I realized that doesn’t tell you why I loved it so…
It fails to mention the grumpy, broody, scarred and oh, so tempting Ethan Talley. The fiery, sassy, upfront and so damn likeable Lissa Kingsman. The return of this series’ other couples in all their geeky grandeur.
Nowhere does it talk about the beauty of this relationship. About the power of friendship and faith and lust to help begin a long-awaited (and much needed) healing process.
There’s no mention of the humor. The feels that had me alternating a laugh and a smile with a pang in my chest and a tear in my ear. Nor does it do justice to this wonderful, dare I say PERFECT, ending to one of my favorite nerdtastic series.
Which is a shame. Because really, when I closed Leveling the Field, my first thought was how much I had wanted to read this book—since the first moment we met broken Ethan, and learned about his tragic past, as a matter of fact—and how completely and utterly satisfied and in love with it (and him and Lissa) I was…
So, I won’t bother with subliminal messages. I’ll flat out tell you. BUY THIS BOOK. And the others in the series, if you’ve not already read them. You won’t be disappointed. ~ Beth, 5 stars
~~~
In Leveling the Field, at last we learn the story behind Ethan Talley—what makes the man tick. He’s quite the recluse—really only communicating with his sister, Chloe and the rest of the Gamers staff including, of course, Grant, Marley and Austin, and Chad and Owen. He’s a miserable bastard and he likes it that way. Until the day he meets the gorgeous Lissa Kingsman, a photographer hired to take pictures to support an upcoming gaming article.
Lissa takes one look and immediately recognizes Ethan as the wildly popular E-Rad, a You Tube sensation that fell off the planet ten years ago. He’s matured and just as gorgeous as she remembers, but he’s now closed off and broody. Lissa had a massive crush on the boy, but she’s seriously lusting after the man now. She’s willing to take all that he offers—even if it’s just absolutely amazing sex. But what if it could be more?
Gah, who doesn’t love a brilliant, heartwarming, funny, sexy nerd-a-licious book? I sure as hell do! Lissa and Ethan are magical together—glitter bombs and all. They’re fun, sexy, and smart. Add in the catch-up snippets of the rest of the Gamers crew, and it’s fucking brilliant.
While I’ve been (im)patiently waiting for the last of the Gamers series to be released, I’m so very sad the series has ended. But oh, what an ending! ~ Missy, 5 stars
~~~
You want to know what was wrong with this book? It's the end of the series. That's what.
And that's basically a travesty.
Oh, also? I didn't want it (this book or this series) to end. That's two things wrong with this book.
So, what did Megan Erickson get right?
All the things.
The enigmatic, reclusive, scarred hero with the tragic past and the completely emotionally unavailable personality. I mean, that doesn't sound right, but the way Ms. Erickson peeled back his layers and showed us how he came alive again? That was just right.
I have a thing for scarred heroes, and for crabby heroes, and for nerdy heroes, so I mean, basically? Stick a fork in me. I never stood a chance. Ethan was such a beautiful soul, such a wonderfully complicated, broken person. Getting to experience how he responded to Lissa, how he bloomed for her…was some kind of treat.
And Lissa? She's unlike any heroine I've ever read. She's fantastic. She pulls no punches and her mouth is filthy and it's fucking hottttt, y'all. She's fierce and confrontational—but her heart is ginormous, and so is her spirit. I loved her so much and cannot think of a more perfect match for Ethan.
Full of Ms. Erickson's trademark humor, heat, and completely lovable characters, Leveling the Field did not disappoint. It's fan-freaking-tastic—the perfect ending to a nearly perfect nerdgasmic series. ~ Shelly, 5 stars
I wanted this book SO BADLY.
I loved this book.
I loved this book SO MUCH.
I was fairly tempted to just leave that ^^ as my review (with maybe a few subliminal ‘buy it’ messages thrown in for good measure), but then I realized that doesn’t tell you why I loved it so…
It fails to mention the grumpy, broody, scarred and oh, so tempting Ethan Talley. The fiery, sassy, upfront and so damn likeable Lissa Kingsman. The return of this series’ other couples in all their geeky grandeur.
Nowhere does it talk about the beauty of this relationship. About the power of friendship and faith and lust to help begin a long-awaited (and much needed) healing process.
There’s no mention of the humor. The feels that had me alternating a laugh and a smile with a pang in my chest and a tear in my ear. Nor does it do justice to this wonderful, dare I say PERFECT, ending to one of my favorite nerdtastic series.
Which is a shame. Because really, when I closed Leveling the Field, my first thought was how much I had wanted to read this book—since the first moment we met broken Ethan, and learned about his tragic past, as a matter of fact—and how completely and utterly satisfied and in love with it (and him and Lissa) I was…
So, I won’t bother with subliminal messages. I’ll flat out tell you. BUY THIS BOOK. And the others in the series, if you’ve not already read them. You won’t be disappointed. ~ Beth, 5 stars
~~~
In Leveling the Field, at last we learn the story behind Ethan Talley—what makes the man tick. He’s quite the recluse—really only communicating with his sister, Chloe and the rest of the Gamers staff including, of course, Grant, Marley and Austin, and Chad and Owen. He’s a miserable bastard and he likes it that way. Until the day he meets the gorgeous Lissa Kingsman, a photographer hired to take pictures to support an upcoming gaming article.
Lissa takes one look and immediately recognizes Ethan as the wildly popular E-Rad, a You Tube sensation that fell off the planet ten years ago. He’s matured and just as gorgeous as she remembers, but he’s now closed off and broody. Lissa had a massive crush on the boy, but she’s seriously lusting after the man now. She’s willing to take all that he offers—even if it’s just absolutely amazing sex. But what if it could be more?
Gah, who doesn’t love a brilliant, heartwarming, funny, sexy nerd-a-licious book? I sure as hell do! Lissa and Ethan are magical together—glitter bombs and all. They’re fun, sexy, and smart. Add in the catch-up snippets of the rest of the Gamers crew, and it’s fucking brilliant.
While I’ve been (im)patiently waiting for the last of the Gamers series to be released, I’m so very sad the series has ended. But oh, what an ending! ~ Missy, 5 stars
~~~
You want to know what was wrong with this book? It's the end of the series. That's what.
And that's basically a travesty.
Oh, also? I didn't want it (this book or this series) to end. That's two things wrong with this book.
So, what did Megan Erickson get right?
All the things.
The enigmatic, reclusive, scarred hero with the tragic past and the completely emotionally unavailable personality. I mean, that doesn't sound right, but the way Ms. Erickson peeled back his layers and showed us how he came alive again? That was just right.
I have a thing for scarred heroes, and for crabby heroes, and for nerdy heroes, so I mean, basically? Stick a fork in me. I never stood a chance. Ethan was such a beautiful soul, such a wonderfully complicated, broken person. Getting to experience how he responded to Lissa, how he bloomed for her…was some kind of treat.
And Lissa? She's unlike any heroine I've ever read. She's fantastic. She pulls no punches and her mouth is filthy and it's fucking hottttt, y'all. She's fierce and confrontational—but her heart is ginormous, and so is her spirit. I loved her so much and cannot think of a more perfect match for Ethan.
Full of Ms. Erickson's trademark humor, heat, and completely lovable characters, Leveling the Field did not disappoint. It's fan-freaking-tastic—the perfect ending to a nearly perfect nerdgasmic series. ~ Shelly, 5 stars
September 2, 2016
Sweet, Sappy &Satisfyin'!
Whew, I loved this freaking story! Not just because of Ethan and Lissa, but because Megan Erickson did justice to who Lissa Kingsman was as a black woman. From being proud of who she was to the texture and caring of her hair (Girlfriend carried a headscarf her bag! Yes, we do that!), I was all kinds of Yaaaassss!!!!
Ethan Talley is the brooding loner with physical and emotional scars. He's carried the burden of his sister's death for years, cutting himself off from his friends, even his own family because the guilt has just eaten him alive.
Lissa Kingsman is dealing with her own emotional troubles as a result of her sister's death. These two meet, and the attraction is like SPLAKOW!!! They are knocking boots like it's 1993, and I loved that! Two, consenting adults getting their freak and keeping things strictly physical until they start to catch feelings.
Ethan struggles to come to terms with these new feelings while Lissa tries to deny that it's more than just sex. It's all so sweet and teary-eyed. I've highlighted the story up like a college textbook cause there are so many good passages.
Very good story. Click it up!
Whew, I loved this freaking story! Not just because of Ethan and Lissa, but because Megan Erickson did justice to who Lissa Kingsman was as a black woman. From being proud of who she was to the texture and caring of her hair (Girlfriend carried a headscarf her bag! Yes, we do that!), I was all kinds of Yaaaassss!!!!
Ethan Talley is the brooding loner with physical and emotional scars. He's carried the burden of his sister's death for years, cutting himself off from his friends, even his own family because the guilt has just eaten him alive.
Lissa Kingsman is dealing with her own emotional troubles as a result of her sister's death. These two meet, and the attraction is like SPLAKOW!!! They are knocking boots like it's 1993, and I loved that! Two, consenting adults getting their freak and keeping things strictly physical until they start to catch feelings.
Ethan struggles to come to terms with these new feelings while Lissa tries to deny that it's more than just sex. It's all so sweet and teary-eyed. I've highlighted the story up like a college textbook cause there are so many good passages.
Very good story. Click it up!
July 9, 2017
***4 Stars***
"You have stories. Well I have stories, too. I have scars just like you, but mine aren't on my skin."
I'm sad to say goodbye to this series, but what a way to finish on a high note!
Rough and gruff and guilt-ridden Ethan finally gets his story....and his match, in Lissa.
Ethan has cocooned himself in the grief and guilt of causing the accident that killed his sister. His life now exists behind the walls of his office and his home. After meeting Lissa at a photo shoot for his company, something in Ethan starts to stir...starts to awaken. But no amount of attraction and lust can erase the past.
He didn't need to be fixed.
The main reason was there was no broken pieces anymore. They'd been crushed long ago. Ethan was quite whole; there just wasn't much to him anymore.
Lissa is carrying around her own bit of guilt. After a horrible accident years ago, her sister committed suicide and Lissa blames herself for not paying attention and seeing the signs. To honor her sister's memory, she's starting a scholarship fund and in order to raise funds she's using her photography. Ethan would be a fantastic addition to her project...but one really shouldn't mix business with pleasure.
I absolutely LOVED Lissa. She was straight-forward, no bullshit, and frankly someone I want to be friends with! She was strong and honest...and a damn good dirty talker! What made the chemistry between her and Ethan even more palpable was that these two were more than equals in the bedroom. And damn did that take things to the next level...
"Are you going to put your mouth on me, or just look at it?"
"You want my mouth?"
"I want your tongue on my clit and your fingers inside me, that's what I want. And after that, I want you to take off those tempting sweatpants, get your cock out, and fuck me."
Yeah...this book will make you sweat.
But there's also plenty of emotion to pull at the heartstrings, too.
You're gonna get a full package here...Broody yet lovable hero, strong and sassy heroine...and a story that's balanced between steam, humor, and heart.
I'm a big fan of Megan Erickson's MM books, but this book is my favorite MF of hers I've read so far.
July 1, 2016
I really wanted to like this book. I love nerds/geeks in my IR and there just aren't enough of them. But Erickson lost me on page one where she has the Black heroine Lissa smacking her gum impatiently. I'm like EXCUSE ME? I mean really, there are numerous ways for Lissa to have expressed her impatience that do not fall back on a stereotype. For instance, she could have had heavy metal blaring from a huge pair of headphones (keeping with a nerd theme) or simply having her tap her feet impatiently on the floor. This is why authors really need to have diverse beta readers and/or critique groups, especially if they're writing diverse characters. What a missed opportunity to do something refreshing.
May 5, 2016
I absolutely love Megan's words, but this series has probably been my favorite from her.
Love love love Lissa and Ethan. She's snarky and strong and tells it like it is. And Ethan...well, he's not. I loved their interactions and her pushing and his retreating and JFC the chemistry could have killed me. Bonus points for getting to see that everyone else from the previous books were insane with happiness.
Lissa and Ethan are absolute perfection together and I seriously loved every single page. If you're not reading Megan's words, you're missing out.
Love love love Lissa and Ethan. She's snarky and strong and tells it like it is. And Ethan...well, he's not. I loved their interactions and her pushing and his retreating and JFC the chemistry could have killed me. Bonus points for getting to see that everyone else from the previous books were insane with happiness.
Lissa and Ethan are absolute perfection together and I seriously loved every single page. If you're not reading Megan's words, you're missing out.
Read
May 3, 2016I'm so sad to see the Gamers series conclude, but I think Lissa and Ethan are a great choice to close it out. I hope you enjoy them. :)
April 28, 2016
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Leveling the Field by Megan Erickson
Book Four of the Gamers series
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Publication Date: May 2, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Reclusive magazine exec Ethan Talley is furious when his business partner hires a photographer—a gorgeous photographer who insists on speaking her mind, damn it—to take pictures for an upcoming article. No matter how badly he wants the woman…under him, over him, against the nearest wall…he has reasons for not wanting to be on camera anymore, and his scars are only one of them.
It takes approximately two seconds for Lissa Kingsman to recognize Ethan as the popular YouTube gamer who fell off the planet years ago. But this Ethan is different than the charming man she used to watch, and the crush she had on him then is nothing compared to the way she’s lusting after the brooding man he is today. If sex is all he can give her, fine. Why not use that bearskin rug in her studio for something other than a prop? But she’s determined to put a chink in his armor, no matter how much he resists.
What I Liked:
This is only my second read of the Gamers series, but I am no stranger to Megan Erickson (literally and metaphorically!). I think my favorite book by her was book two of this series, Playing For Her Heart! But I think this book would probably come in a close second. I loved Lissa and Ethan!
Ethan is a magazine executive (he works with Grant) who has physical and emotional scars that he does not want to talk about. Former YouTube sensation E-Rad is not going to be on camera anytime soon. Ethan seems cold, but really, he's a little broken. Photographer Lissa Kingsman wants Ethan to join her project celebrating people with scars, physical and emotional. But Ethan refuses to be photographed - by her, or anyone else. Gone are his days on camera. But why? The tension builds between Ethan and Lissa, and maybe he won't help her with her project, but the pair do not let the intense chemistry between them go unnoticed.
Oh Ethan! We're introduced to him in previous books (remember, I've only read book two and now this one), and he appears to be a little cold. It's still true in this book, at least on the surface. Ethan is closed off to everyone, including his sister Chloe. He's rich, successful, handsome, and totally lonely. But a death in his past explains everything. Ethan is every inch an alpha male, but not necessarily an in-your-face charmingly arrogant one. He's complicated and a little broken and everyone is worried about him.
Lissa, on the other hand, is positive and yet so real. She has a dirty mouth and she isn't afraid to speak her mind or get loud. Lissa is intelligent and kind, but also very direct, and a very strong woman. I liked Lissa a lot! She's definitely a good fit for Ethan.
I definitely consider this more of "Ethan's book" than "Ethan and Lissa's" because Ethan's emotional journey is so much more important than Lissa's (in my opinion). But I like that both characters have had difficult pasts that are similar, and both characters have to work through guilty and denial.
These two are FIRE! Such great chemistry, and the build-up is fairly short but thorough. In classic Erickson fashion, there were soooo many steamy scenes and each one was different. You can always expect a high heat level from Erickson!
Final thing I'd like to mention - you can probably tell from the cover, but we have an interracial couple! Hats off to diversity.
All in all, this book was fantastic, and I really enjoyed it. I know I need to read the other two books in the series that I skipped, but I am really content with books two and four that I have read!
What I Did Not Like:
Hmmm, I want more, possibly. This book was short! I mean, Erickson wrote the story beautifully and I didn't think anything was rushed or under-written. But I always want more when it comes to her steamy romances!
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this book, if you like adult romance novels, Brazen books, and/or Megan Erickson's books! It's not one of Erickson's to skip. I am so happy to see Ethan get a HEA!
Rating:
4 stars. Such a good series! I really liked Grant but I think Ethan might be my favorite of the two male protagonists. Lissa is definitely my favorite (between her and Chloe)! I can't wait to read more books from Erickson in the future.
Leveling the Field by Megan Erickson
Book Four of the Gamers series
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Publication Date: May 2, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Reclusive magazine exec Ethan Talley is furious when his business partner hires a photographer—a gorgeous photographer who insists on speaking her mind, damn it—to take pictures for an upcoming article. No matter how badly he wants the woman…under him, over him, against the nearest wall…he has reasons for not wanting to be on camera anymore, and his scars are only one of them.
It takes approximately two seconds for Lissa Kingsman to recognize Ethan as the popular YouTube gamer who fell off the planet years ago. But this Ethan is different than the charming man she used to watch, and the crush she had on him then is nothing compared to the way she’s lusting after the brooding man he is today. If sex is all he can give her, fine. Why not use that bearskin rug in her studio for something other than a prop? But she’s determined to put a chink in his armor, no matter how much he resists.
What I Liked:
This is only my second read of the Gamers series, but I am no stranger to Megan Erickson (literally and metaphorically!). I think my favorite book by her was book two of this series, Playing For Her Heart! But I think this book would probably come in a close second. I loved Lissa and Ethan!
Ethan is a magazine executive (he works with Grant) who has physical and emotional scars that he does not want to talk about. Former YouTube sensation E-Rad is not going to be on camera anytime soon. Ethan seems cold, but really, he's a little broken. Photographer Lissa Kingsman wants Ethan to join her project celebrating people with scars, physical and emotional. But Ethan refuses to be photographed - by her, or anyone else. Gone are his days on camera. But why? The tension builds between Ethan and Lissa, and maybe he won't help her with her project, but the pair do not let the intense chemistry between them go unnoticed.
Oh Ethan! We're introduced to him in previous books (remember, I've only read book two and now this one), and he appears to be a little cold. It's still true in this book, at least on the surface. Ethan is closed off to everyone, including his sister Chloe. He's rich, successful, handsome, and totally lonely. But a death in his past explains everything. Ethan is every inch an alpha male, but not necessarily an in-your-face charmingly arrogant one. He's complicated and a little broken and everyone is worried about him.
Lissa, on the other hand, is positive and yet so real. She has a dirty mouth and she isn't afraid to speak her mind or get loud. Lissa is intelligent and kind, but also very direct, and a very strong woman. I liked Lissa a lot! She's definitely a good fit for Ethan.
I definitely consider this more of "Ethan's book" than "Ethan and Lissa's" because Ethan's emotional journey is so much more important than Lissa's (in my opinion). But I like that both characters have had difficult pasts that are similar, and both characters have to work through guilty and denial.
These two are FIRE! Such great chemistry, and the build-up is fairly short but thorough. In classic Erickson fashion, there were soooo many steamy scenes and each one was different. You can always expect a high heat level from Erickson!
Final thing I'd like to mention - you can probably tell from the cover, but we have an interracial couple! Hats off to diversity.
All in all, this book was fantastic, and I really enjoyed it. I know I need to read the other two books in the series that I skipped, but I am really content with books two and four that I have read!
What I Did Not Like:
Hmmm, I want more, possibly. This book was short! I mean, Erickson wrote the story beautifully and I didn't think anything was rushed or under-written. But I always want more when it comes to her steamy romances!
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this book, if you like adult romance novels, Brazen books, and/or Megan Erickson's books! It's not one of Erickson's to skip. I am so happy to see Ethan get a HEA!
Rating:
4 stars. Such a good series! I really liked Grant but I think Ethan might be my favorite of the two male protagonists. Lissa is definitely my favorite (between her and Chloe)! I can't wait to read more books from Erickson in the future.
May 11, 2016
3.5 stars
Leveling the Field was a good read.
I enjoyed watching Ethan and Lissa come together, both characters made this such a fun and entertaining read.
I loved their passion, their stubbornness and their chemistry was off the charts! **fans self**
Loved catching up with the previous characters and the epilogue made my heart smile.
The Gamers series has been a great read, I'm sad to see it's come to a close. Thank you Megan Erickson for once again writing with heart and sharing your words with us.
Thank you Entangled Brazen via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Leveling the Field was a good read.
I enjoyed watching Ethan and Lissa come together, both characters made this such a fun and entertaining read.
I loved their passion, their stubbornness and their chemistry was off the charts! **fans self**
Loved catching up with the previous characters and the epilogue made my heart smile.
The Gamers series has been a great read, I'm sad to see it's come to a close. Thank you Megan Erickson for once again writing with heart and sharing your words with us.
Thank you Entangled Brazen via NetGalley for the advance copy.
July 2, 2016
In Megan's world, grumpy (+ nerdy + slightly awkward) is the new sexy, and that is more than okay with me! Admittedly, I have a weak spot for heroes who are hot and cold - with good reason - and Ethan totally fits that bill. He turned my heart to complete goo!
I loved this series so much - it's fun and super hot - highly recommended!
Read
May 2, 20164.5 Stars, even though such a thing doesn't exist on Goodreads.
I enjoyed Ethan and Lissa. I appreciated that while this was the continuation of a series, it would also work as a standalone.
The writing was solid. As was the dialog. I appreciated the choice Megan Erickson made to let the reader be privy to Lissa's reaction to Ethan when she first sees him, so you know that there was an attraction there before she knew who he was. I think it was also important to Ethan that she was able to find him physically attractive.
There was a lot of depth to Ethan, and the similar shared experience of Lissa was an amazing commonality for them. The scene where he leaps down his stairs to stop her from leaving but then all he can do is stare at her silently was so poignant.
Your heart breaks for both of them, but especially Ethan...and you want him to find his happy ending.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
***ARC Provided by the publisher and NetGalley***
I enjoyed Ethan and Lissa. I appreciated that while this was the continuation of a series, it would also work as a standalone.
The writing was solid. As was the dialog. I appreciated the choice Megan Erickson made to let the reader be privy to Lissa's reaction to Ethan when she first sees him, so you know that there was an attraction there before she knew who he was. I think it was also important to Ethan that she was able to find him physically attractive.
There was a lot of depth to Ethan, and the similar shared experience of Lissa was an amazing commonality for them. The scene where he leaps down his stairs to stop her from leaving but then all he can do is stare at her silently was so poignant.
Your heart breaks for both of them, but especially Ethan...and you want him to find his happy ending.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
***ARC Provided by the publisher and NetGalley***
May 3, 2016
This is the last book in the Gamers series, a set of books I've really enjoyed that focused on a video game magazine and its employees. They've all been super sexy stories with unique characters. We've seen Ethan as this reclusive smart man in the background as a secondary character up to now, with his sister Chloe finding love in Book 2, Playing For Her Heart with his business partner and friend Grant. It's finally his turn, and he meets his match in Lissa, a photographer who was hired as part of a PR campaign for the magazine.
I really enjoyed all the aspects of this story! First we have Ethan, a scarred man both inside and out, from a traumatic episode in his past that drastically changed him and damaged his relationship with his parents too. He's still trying to atone for his mistakes and hasn't forgiven himself, making it impossible for him to commit to a relationship. Then there is Lissa, a woman whose sister committed suicide. She too carries guilt for not recognizing what her sister was going through. She's trying to make some amends with a fundraising project for college scholarships, using her skills as a photographer to create an exhibit that takes people with visible scars and tells their stories. Though she initially wants to have Ethan in the exhibit, as she gets to know him she realizes that he is so intensely private that she changes her mind. Ethan can't deny he's attracted to Lissa and even though he doesn't believe he's relationship material, she has no problem with their casual hookups, resulting in some very sexy scenes between them. I really liked that Lissa was an empowered woman who was an equal partner in their encounters, and wasn't afraid to call Ethan out when he tried to apologize for his behaviour, feeling like he'd pushed her into things she wasn't ready for. I also really appreciated that this is an interracial romance, and that while Lissa is African American, her skin colour was never an issue for Ethan or his friends, and vice versa. They were just a couple falling for each other, sharing their secrets with each other, and becoming integral to each other's lives. The conflict is both internal and external, with Ethan's wariness at getting involved and Lissa's side project blindsiding Ethan and making him question their relationship. I enjoyed how the whole story played out, the cameos of the secondary characters from previous stories, and having a strong female heroine stand up for herself. There were laugh out loud moments, and some surprising tears for me too. It was a great ending to the series! I will miss these guys. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I really enjoyed all the aspects of this story! First we have Ethan, a scarred man both inside and out, from a traumatic episode in his past that drastically changed him and damaged his relationship with his parents too. He's still trying to atone for his mistakes and hasn't forgiven himself, making it impossible for him to commit to a relationship. Then there is Lissa, a woman whose sister committed suicide. She too carries guilt for not recognizing what her sister was going through. She's trying to make some amends with a fundraising project for college scholarships, using her skills as a photographer to create an exhibit that takes people with visible scars and tells their stories. Though she initially wants to have Ethan in the exhibit, as she gets to know him she realizes that he is so intensely private that she changes her mind. Ethan can't deny he's attracted to Lissa and even though he doesn't believe he's relationship material, she has no problem with their casual hookups, resulting in some very sexy scenes between them. I really liked that Lissa was an empowered woman who was an equal partner in their encounters, and wasn't afraid to call Ethan out when he tried to apologize for his behaviour, feeling like he'd pushed her into things she wasn't ready for. I also really appreciated that this is an interracial romance, and that while Lissa is African American, her skin colour was never an issue for Ethan or his friends, and vice versa. They were just a couple falling for each other, sharing their secrets with each other, and becoming integral to each other's lives. The conflict is both internal and external, with Ethan's wariness at getting involved and Lissa's side project blindsiding Ethan and making him question their relationship. I enjoyed how the whole story played out, the cameos of the secondary characters from previous stories, and having a strong female heroine stand up for herself. There were laugh out loud moments, and some surprising tears for me too. It was a great ending to the series! I will miss these guys. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
May 2, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Sometimes you find a book that you just can't put down, one where the characters speak to you and one where they have problems but they aren't insurmountable, and one where two people seem so different but share a bond that brings them acceptance and understanding. Leveling the Field was not an easy romance as it contains a brooding, reclusive hero and a heroine determined to make him see his life is worth living, but it wasn't overfilled with angst and there was such a feeling of hope throughout that I loved every minute of it.
Ever since the car accident that left him scarred and killed one of his sisters Ethan Talley has closed himself off from the world and even from his family except his younger sister, Chloe. When photographer Lissa Kingsman comes to the magazine he co-owns to shoot photos for an article on the magazine he is immediately attracted, but he refuses to be photographed something she respects but questions especially since she'd planned to ask him to participate in a project near and dear to her heart.
From the first moment they met the connection was electric, I don't know how this author did it but I could feel it rolling off of both of them. Ethan was terse and rude, but Lissa couldn't get him out of her mind so when they meet again they get physical very quickly. This was somewhat of a backwards romance in that they f*cked, they made no excuses that was all they had to give and they planned to move on, but neither one could stay away. With each encounter little pieces of the wall Ethan had built up around him began to fall and Lissa didn't cut him any slack. She called him out on his behavior, she spoke her mind about his issues, and she challenged him over and over. Ethan was not unaffected by their time together; he found himself missing her company, wanting her and needing her. I'll admit there were a few times I wanted to slap some sense into Ethan, but I could also understand his issues and because of the way Lissa handled him, I found myself letting go of my anger towards him. I always appreciate when an author shows us a character's growth and that was shown over and over in this book.
A strong heroine, a challenging hero, a complex relationship and a whole lot of sexy goodness in between make Leveling the Field my favorite book in Megan Erickson's Gamers series and one of my favorite books of 2016!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Sometimes you find a book that you just can't put down, one where the characters speak to you and one where they have problems but they aren't insurmountable, and one where two people seem so different but share a bond that brings them acceptance and understanding. Leveling the Field was not an easy romance as it contains a brooding, reclusive hero and a heroine determined to make him see his life is worth living, but it wasn't overfilled with angst and there was such a feeling of hope throughout that I loved every minute of it.
Ever since the car accident that left him scarred and killed one of his sisters Ethan Talley has closed himself off from the world and even from his family except his younger sister, Chloe. When photographer Lissa Kingsman comes to the magazine he co-owns to shoot photos for an article on the magazine he is immediately attracted, but he refuses to be photographed something she respects but questions especially since she'd planned to ask him to participate in a project near and dear to her heart.
From the first moment they met the connection was electric, I don't know how this author did it but I could feel it rolling off of both of them. Ethan was terse and rude, but Lissa couldn't get him out of her mind so when they meet again they get physical very quickly. This was somewhat of a backwards romance in that they f*cked, they made no excuses that was all they had to give and they planned to move on, but neither one could stay away. With each encounter little pieces of the wall Ethan had built up around him began to fall and Lissa didn't cut him any slack. She called him out on his behavior, she spoke her mind about his issues, and she challenged him over and over. Ethan was not unaffected by their time together; he found himself missing her company, wanting her and needing her. I'll admit there were a few times I wanted to slap some sense into Ethan, but I could also understand his issues and because of the way Lissa handled him, I found myself letting go of my anger towards him. I always appreciate when an author shows us a character's growth and that was shown over and over in this book.
A strong heroine, a challenging hero, a complex relationship and a whole lot of sexy goodness in between make Leveling the Field my favorite book in Megan Erickson's Gamers series and one of my favorite books of 2016!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
January 30, 2017
Ethan used to be E-Rad in a former life and now he's the co-owner of a successful online gaming magazine. He crosses paths with Lissa when she is hired to do some photography for the magazine. She is secretly hoping he will agree to participate in a project that is very close to her heart but Ethan is abrasive and gruff when she meets him and she never gets to ask him.
However, there is no denying the electric chemistry between them and when they bump into each other at a wedding they get hot and heavy and agree on a loose arrangement regarding hook-ups.
Both mains are struggling under guilt and pressure as a result of tragedies in their lives. These tragedies have shaped who they have become. Whereas Lissa is channelling that in a positive way, Ethan is in self-destruct mode and he's cut himself off from most everyone he loves.
I hated Ethan at the start and found it very difficult to warm up to him because I didn't like how he treated Lissa. For her part, she wasn't upset by his behavior, understanding their arrangement, but it didn't sit well with me. He showed up, shagged her, and then hurt her with his words and cold manner and swanned off until the next time. Nope. Not liking you at all. However, he won me over by the end as Lissa was the one person who was finally able to get through to him. I do love a happy ending and we get one here.
The writing is great, the pacing is fine, voice and character development was good. It's an enjoyable read that works really well as a standalone. I never felt like I missed out because I hadn't read the first few books. Perhaps, I may have understood Ethan better if I'd read the beginning of the series but I don't know how heavily he featured.
Overall, this is a good book and I'd recommend it if you are looking for a quick, entertaining read.
Thanks to Entangled for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
However, there is no denying the electric chemistry between them and when they bump into each other at a wedding they get hot and heavy and agree on a loose arrangement regarding hook-ups.
Both mains are struggling under guilt and pressure as a result of tragedies in their lives. These tragedies have shaped who they have become. Whereas Lissa is channelling that in a positive way, Ethan is in self-destruct mode and he's cut himself off from most everyone he loves.
I hated Ethan at the start and found it very difficult to warm up to him because I didn't like how he treated Lissa. For her part, she wasn't upset by his behavior, understanding their arrangement, but it didn't sit well with me. He showed up, shagged her, and then hurt her with his words and cold manner and swanned off until the next time. Nope. Not liking you at all. However, he won me over by the end as Lissa was the one person who was finally able to get through to him. I do love a happy ending and we get one here.
The writing is great, the pacing is fine, voice and character development was good. It's an enjoyable read that works really well as a standalone. I never felt like I missed out because I hadn't read the first few books. Perhaps, I may have understood Ethan better if I'd read the beginning of the series but I don't know how heavily he featured.
Overall, this is a good book and I'd recommend it if you are looking for a quick, entertaining read.
Thanks to Entangled for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 2, 2017
Grumpy gamer geek and dirty-talking photographer? Fuck yeah! This book popped my Megan Erickson cherry and so glad it exceeded my expectation! Both Ethan and Lissa were recovering from a tragic loss that affected their present lives. Ethan was a YouTube sensation back when he was still playing video games while commenting on them but an arrogant attempt to show off killed his sister. Now, he's turned into a grumpy bastard who also had ugly scars across his face to remind him of the accident. Lissa knew she should have done something for her sister after she met an accident. But it's too late and now she's doing everything to commemorate her sister's death–to interview people who had the same scars as her sister's but learned to survive and live–and make a foundation out of it. The attraction between the two characters was sizzling and so intense. Ethan knew Lissa wouldn't want anything from her aside from orgasms. He's broken and would rather be alone to punish himself for what he did. Lissa, on the other hand, has dealt with her sister's death with renewed positivity to help others and to always stick with her family. The story was really interesting and I loved how they both opened up to each other. I would have liked for their getting-to-know-you-and-me pace to be longer because it was kind of skipped out here. But I get it given the length of the book. The characters and the premise felt real and believable. Also, it's very hot and fun because of the glitter! Haha! Overall, this won't definitely be my last Megan Erickson book.
May 12, 2016
I enjoyed it for the most part but I probably would've enjoyed it more had the H not pushed the h away so much. They would hook up and he'd avoid her for 2 weeks. That happened like 3 times! And I was kinda pissed at all those hurtful things he said to her. She should've made him suffer more.
It could've been great since I really did like the "grouchy" H who was melting for the h.
Safety:
It could've been great since I really did like the "grouchy" H who was melting for the h.
Safety:
May 14, 2016
3.5-3.75 stars. Once again, Megan Erickson has successfully written a romance novel that I absolutely devoured! I loved Lissa, her spunky bright personality and her story. I loved Ethan (have loved Ethan) and his story of healing. So cute, and so fun!
November 17, 2017
A really great closure of the series and I loved how vulnerable Ethan was and how fierce Lissa. <3
Great series I can totally recommend. :)
Great series I can totally recommend. :)
May 3, 2016
Let me get something out of the way first:
OMG! Ethan!!!!!! Finally!!!!!! YAY! Ethan!!!!!
Okay, it's out now. I can now focus on my thoughts about this book :)
How I love this series. Every book has been stellar. And it was a pleasure seeing all the couples from the previous three books make an appearance. Some more briefly and in passing than others but still.
How I loved Ethan from the moment he appeared in the first book. I fell hard for this somewhat cold, grumpy, scarred, intense and damaged man with no filter.
How I loved Lissa. Brutally honest and full of life but also with her own scars and hurt. Even if they weren't visible on the outside. She was hands down my favorite heroine in this series and has definitely made it on my favorite heroines of all time list.
How I loved his book from the very first sentence to the last. Once again the combination of sexy sexiness and sublimely timed humor was awesomely done by Megan Erickson.
Favorite Scenes:
- Dancefloor scene at the wedding > That was so hot! And so Ethan
- The glitter-bombing > how could I not mention this?!
Favorite Quotes:
“You’re so hard. I’d bet you’d f*ck me so good, wouldn’t you? Bend me over a table and pull my dress up. Rip off these tiny panties I have on and punish me for making you want this much.”
She was poking the beast. Ethan’s other hand was on her neck now, his thumb stroking over the tendon.
“If you don’t stop with that mouth, I’ll f*ck you right here in front of God and everyone.”
“Where do you want to meet?”
“Are you comfortable coming to my house? The dead bodies buried in my basement barely smell at all.”
Lissa laughed. “Wow, an Ethan Talley original joke. I feel special.”
“Don’t get used to it. I won’t spoil you with my amazing sense of humor.”
A soft sigh made Lissa look up, to see Chloe watching them with her hands clasped to her chest.
“You look like you’re an extra in a Disney movie, Chloe,” Grant said. “Maybe tone down the gasping and the staring, huh?” Chloe glared at him.
“I’m observing romance in real time here, Grant. Mind your own business.”
OMG! Ethan!!!!!! Finally!!!!!! YAY! Ethan!!!!!
Okay, it's out now. I can now focus on my thoughts about this book :)
How I love this series. Every book has been stellar. And it was a pleasure seeing all the couples from the previous three books make an appearance. Some more briefly and in passing than others but still.
How I loved Ethan from the moment he appeared in the first book. I fell hard for this somewhat cold, grumpy, scarred, intense and damaged man with no filter.
How I loved Lissa. Brutally honest and full of life but also with her own scars and hurt. Even if they weren't visible on the outside. She was hands down my favorite heroine in this series and has definitely made it on my favorite heroines of all time list.
How I loved his book from the very first sentence to the last. Once again the combination of sexy sexiness and sublimely timed humor was awesomely done by Megan Erickson.
Favorite Scenes:
- Dancefloor scene at the wedding > That was so hot! And so Ethan
- The glitter-bombing > how could I not mention this?!
Favorite Quotes:
“You’re so hard. I’d bet you’d f*ck me so good, wouldn’t you? Bend me over a table and pull my dress up. Rip off these tiny panties I have on and punish me for making you want this much.”
She was poking the beast. Ethan’s other hand was on her neck now, his thumb stroking over the tendon.
“If you don’t stop with that mouth, I’ll f*ck you right here in front of God and everyone.”
“Where do you want to meet?”
“Are you comfortable coming to my house? The dead bodies buried in my basement barely smell at all.”
Lissa laughed. “Wow, an Ethan Talley original joke. I feel special.”
“Don’t get used to it. I won’t spoil you with my amazing sense of humor.”
A soft sigh made Lissa look up, to see Chloe watching them with her hands clasped to her chest.
“You look like you’re an extra in a Disney movie, Chloe,” Grant said. “Maybe tone down the gasping and the staring, huh?” Chloe glared at him.
“I’m observing romance in real time here, Grant. Mind your own business.”
October 16, 2020
https://celebrityreaders.com/2016/05/...
3.5 stars -- I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion from NetGalley.
Well this was a complete context switch from my previous book -- I completely forgot how racy Entangled Brazen books tend to be, and this one caught me off guard! It's definitely not a bad thing, I do read erotica after all (not that this is erotica). But I think that the immediate one night stand and initial beginning of Lissa and Ethan's relationship kind of threw me off my game b/c I wasn't expecting something that was so "sex only", if that makes sense. So I wasn't sure if I was going to get my emotional impact, but I definitely did!!
These characters were actually quite deep for such a short novel. I really appreciated the different ways that Lissa and Ethan dealt with loss in their lives, and the guilt that they each felt. I really believed the development of both their relationship with each other, and Ethan's emotional development. And the sexy times were definitely hot and delicious!! (though I was only so-so on the strange playfulness in the photography studio...but that could be just me)
This is actually the 4th (and last) book in this series, but it was the first one I've read. I didn't have any problems with that, and in fact it just made me curious about the other books (particularly Chloe and Grant's story). I have the first book (Austin and Marley) and will definitely be checking it out soon!!
So basically it was a sexy book with an emotional impact. My only real complaint is that I saw the conflict coming from a mile away, and it was one of those times where the heroine should have known better and you end up saying "NO!!!" :)
3.5 stars -- I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion from NetGalley.
Well this was a complete context switch from my previous book -- I completely forgot how racy Entangled Brazen books tend to be, and this one caught me off guard! It's definitely not a bad thing, I do read erotica after all (not that this is erotica). But I think that the immediate one night stand and initial beginning of Lissa and Ethan's relationship kind of threw me off my game b/c I wasn't expecting something that was so "sex only", if that makes sense. So I wasn't sure if I was going to get my emotional impact, but I definitely did!!
These characters were actually quite deep for such a short novel. I really appreciated the different ways that Lissa and Ethan dealt with loss in their lives, and the guilt that they each felt. I really believed the development of both their relationship with each other, and Ethan's emotional development. And the sexy times were definitely hot and delicious!! (though I was only so-so on the strange playfulness in the photography studio...but that could be just me)
This is actually the 4th (and last) book in this series, but it was the first one I've read. I didn't have any problems with that, and in fact it just made me curious about the other books (particularly Chloe and Grant's story). I have the first book (Austin and Marley) and will definitely be checking it out soon!!
So basically it was a sexy book with an emotional impact. My only real complaint is that I saw the conflict coming from a mile away, and it was one of those times where the heroine should have known better and you end up saying "NO!!!" :)
August 16, 2017
3.5 Stars
I thought this was a cute and easy read. The Big Secret that the hero is dealing with is actually traumatic and I understood why he reacted the way that he did. I thought his journey to getting out of the shadows was handled well, if not a little quick for my taste. The heroine was super likable and I enjoyed all the scenes showing her at work. I also liked the emphasis on family for both protagonists. I did find myself wishing there were more pages to help the romance really develop. It moved quickly from antagonistic to lust to love and I'm not sure I bought the happy ending. I did like this enough to want to try the other books in the series.
I received an eARC of this book from Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a cute and easy read. The Big Secret that the hero is dealing with is actually traumatic and I understood why he reacted the way that he did. I thought his journey to getting out of the shadows was handled well, if not a little quick for my taste. The heroine was super likable and I enjoyed all the scenes showing her at work. I also liked the emphasis on family for both protagonists. I did find myself wishing there were more pages to help the romance really develop. It moved quickly from antagonistic to lust to love and I'm not sure I bought the happy ending. I did like this enough to want to try the other books in the series.
I received an eARC of this book from Entangled via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2017
3.5+ “Ethan is Top DAWG” Stars
Leveling the Field is one heck of a hot book. Ethan used to have his own YouTube channel where he would commentate on video games. He had thousands of followers and more money than he knew what to do with. When a tragic accident leaves him scarred and costs his sister her life he drops off the earth.
Over a decade later, he finds himself forced in front of a camera again by his business partner. Luckily the girl behind the camera is hot enough to take his mind off the actual thing.
When a second chance encounter gets them alone in a room, their chemistry combusts and there’s nothing they can do to fight it. Ethan believes he’s in no place to have a relationship, even though Lissa insists that just sex (and amazingly good sex at that) is all she is after too.
Even though neither is seeking a relationship, they find their way to each other time and again. But Ethan’s personal issues, as well as Lissa’s work and her own problems will get in the way of them building anything lasting.
I freaking loved Lissa. While she was a little bit too aggressive sometimes for my personal taste but she was one hell of a woman. After tragedy touched her family, she found a way to make her work worthwhile and helpful to others. She was upfront and brutally honest, full of life and she didn’t back down when she felt something was important.
Ethan was a mess. He closed himself off from the world after his accident, and no one and nothing could get through to him. That is until a sassy photographer pushed all his buttons. I really liked how Ethan unfolded from his hermit ways.
While Lissa’s and Ethan’s chemistry was explosive and their sex really, really hot, Ethan’s own aloofness from his own feelings made it difficult for me to fully connect with him and in extension with Lissa and their feelings. I could understand the type of trauma he suffered is not a minor thing to overcome, but his constant knee-jerk reactions got increasingly annoying until I wanted to conk him on the head with something.
That said Lissa’s ability to inspire him to go back to the land of the living plus the emotional quality of her work project were my favorite aspects of the story.
Leveling the Field had lots of scorching hot sextivities, some harsh truths and two people going head to head in the pursuit of happiness. A really good story I enjoyed reading.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Leveling the Field is one heck of a hot book. Ethan used to have his own YouTube channel where he would commentate on video games. He had thousands of followers and more money than he knew what to do with. When a tragic accident leaves him scarred and costs his sister her life he drops off the earth.
Over a decade later, he finds himself forced in front of a camera again by his business partner. Luckily the girl behind the camera is hot enough to take his mind off the actual thing.
When a second chance encounter gets them alone in a room, their chemistry combusts and there’s nothing they can do to fight it. Ethan believes he’s in no place to have a relationship, even though Lissa insists that just sex (and amazingly good sex at that) is all she is after too.
Even though neither is seeking a relationship, they find their way to each other time and again. But Ethan’s personal issues, as well as Lissa’s work and her own problems will get in the way of them building anything lasting.
I freaking loved Lissa. While she was a little bit too aggressive sometimes for my personal taste but she was one hell of a woman. After tragedy touched her family, she found a way to make her work worthwhile and helpful to others. She was upfront and brutally honest, full of life and she didn’t back down when she felt something was important.
Ethan was a mess. He closed himself off from the world after his accident, and no one and nothing could get through to him. That is until a sassy photographer pushed all his buttons. I really liked how Ethan unfolded from his hermit ways.
While Lissa’s and Ethan’s chemistry was explosive and their sex really, really hot, Ethan’s own aloofness from his own feelings made it difficult for me to fully connect with him and in extension with Lissa and their feelings. I could understand the type of trauma he suffered is not a minor thing to overcome, but his constant knee-jerk reactions got increasingly annoying until I wanted to conk him on the head with something.
That said Lissa’s ability to inspire him to go back to the land of the living plus the emotional quality of her work project were my favorite aspects of the story.
Leveling the Field had lots of scorching hot sextivities, some harsh truths and two people going head to head in the pursuit of happiness. A really good story I enjoyed reading.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
July 27, 2017
I have been binging this series and this final book fell flat for me. I knew going in that Chowen was going to be extremely hard to top, knowing that in combination with the fact that Ethan is a grouch had me put off. I was determined to power through it with the hope that it would pick up. Unfortunately for me it did not. I couldn't connect to Lissa or Ethan, I found Ethan's mood and fickle attitude off-putting. Lissa was a little to bossy and dominant for my liking.
I think for me this book was more sex driven than its predecessors. There was no build up to their relationship and when they ended up together I still felt like they didn't really know each other. There was not really a lot of character development either, Ethan was grumpy one day and an in-love romantic the next. Lissa was just a determined ray of sunshine, she never grew or changed over the course of the story.
I needed the building of the characters and that was lacking for me in this book. But more importantly, I needed the build up of their relationship and I didn't get that one bit. I mostly kept on reading for the little glimpses of the previous couples that I adored. In the end this was a very mediocre read.
I think for me this book was more sex driven than its predecessors. There was no build up to their relationship and when they ended up together I still felt like they didn't really know each other. There was not really a lot of character development either, Ethan was grumpy one day and an in-love romantic the next. Lissa was just a determined ray of sunshine, she never grew or changed over the course of the story.
I needed the building of the characters and that was lacking for me in this book. But more importantly, I needed the build up of their relationship and I didn't get that one bit. I mostly kept on reading for the little glimpses of the previous couples that I adored. In the end this was a very mediocre read.
November 7, 2017
so glad to finally get Ethan's story! I liked this one! loved Lissa and how straightforward she is. it did all start off very insta-love/lust-y but oh well. I liked how they complemented the other and really just happy they found each other.
May 27, 2016
Megan Erickson can do no wrong, apparently. Every book of hers is just gloriously romantic.
Why is this series over?? *sad Panda*
-------------------------------------------------
FULL REVIEW
By now everyone knows how huge a fan of Megan Erickson I am given how shouty I get with my love for her books with every release. I went into Leveling the Field with equal amounts of excitement and sadness. Excitement because I have been waiting for ages for this character's book and sadness because this is the last book in the Gamers series and it hurts my soul that there won't be more of these characters to devour. Nevertheless, Megan Erickson went out with a loud resounding bang with this series and I could not have been happier that I got to experience this wonderfully sexy series as a reader.
I fell a little bit in love with Ethan from his very first introduction. By the second book, his sister's, I was so damn ready for him to get that HEA he deserved. As much as I loved pretty much all the characters in Leveling the Field, it's Ethan who was the shining star. This was HIS story of growth, acceptance and moving on from grief and guilt. And Megan Erickson did one hell of a job with it. With Brazen novels, I'm always worried that there aren't enough pages to fully develop the characters so that they leap off the pages, but I never have to worry about that with Megan's heroes and heroines. At the beginning of Leveling the Field, Ethan was still the grumpy, grouchy and moody (not to forget nerdy as heck!), that we originally met. His sister's death as a result of a car accident he was also involved in had left him shattered and turned him into very much of an introvert who hardly allowed his emotions to surface. Ethan was so stubborn with his self-loathing and you can't help but want to embrace him and make him feel better. Thankfully, the bright and vibrant Lissa charged into his life and slowly helped him become a better, happier and healthier version of himself. By the end, I was just so happy for the transformation he underwent, my heart was full!
I loved Lissa so much too. She was fiesty, fiery and funny. And she was also the sweetest girl ever. I loved her passion for photography and just how dedicated she was. More than anything though, I loved how fearless Lissa was, especially when it came to speaking out her mind and going after what she wanted. This was a girl after my own heart! Hers and Ethan's relationship had so much sizzle, as I expected from any of Megan Erickson's couples. They started of hot and steamy (emphasis on HOTT) and let me tell you, some of these sexy times scenes? Phew! They left me red-faced and in need of a cold shower. Can I just say how much I loved that Lissa was the dirty talker in this relationship? Yet another part of her personality that I thought was fearless. Besides the "fog-up-your-e-reader-screen" scenes, the emotional scenes between Ethan and Lissa were also sweet and passionate and exactly what I wanted for the two of them. They were a couple that made each other stronger and better. I loved that about them. I was also really happy to see some of the characters from the previous books. It was fun getting to see them in their established relationships. :)
Once again, Megan Erickson has a written a romance book that hooked me in line and sinker and made me experience all the feels. The Gamers series might be over, but these are characters who are going to stay with me for a long time.
March 5, 2017
I wanted this to be longer, but I liked it. I liked the contrasting approaches to grief that the book explores, both the outward and inward. And I liked that even though Ethan was wrong to lash out at Lissa, he's also not wrong to assume the worst based on what he knows when he does it.
This was good. And it's interracial, if anyone is looking for those to read.
This was good. And it's interracial, if anyone is looking for those to read.
March 31, 2016
Megan Erickson wraps up her Gamers series with Levelling the Field and let me tell you, she does it wonderfully. It’s finally Ethan’s turn to get his HEA he does so with a heroine who is absolutely without a doubt perfect for him in Lissa. I loved this book so very, very much.
“What’d I do to deserve you?” “Had sex with me on a glitter-covered bearskin rug.”
I admit I was apprehensive as to who Ethan’s heroine would be because I kind of have fallen for the recluse, but from the moment Lissa walked onto the page, I had zero doubt she would be perfect for him and she totally was. They are one hundred percent perfect for each other. I may have developed a girl crush on her and that dirty mouth if hers. It was refreshing to see a female character give as good as she got in the dirty talking stakes.
"He grinned and laughed. “There’s no one like you, you know that?” She shuddered as he circled her opening.“I know; I have a dirty mouth.” He leaned down and blew a stream of cold air on her. “Hmmm, yeah it is dirty, but I like it.”
These two take instant chemistry to new levels. Who knew that grumpy Ethan was hiding that much passion under all the black he loves? Well they do say it’s always the quiet ones. The sparks fly when they first meet and only burn hotter with each encounter and they fly off the charts at first touch. I needed a cool drink after that meeting. Holy smokes.
"There’ve been men who didn’t like my honesty or bluntness. Or bossiness.” He cupped her cheek, his expression tender. “Those weren’t men. Those were boys, and they didn’t know what a gem you are.”
Lissa and Ethan aren’t all fire and passion, somehow they both manage to bring the best out in each other without really trying. It’s beautiful to see them both blossom under the attention from the other, even when the going gets tough and harsh words are said they still somehow manage to make a huge impact on the other. It brought tears to my eyes (rather inconvenient as I was on a packed bus) when a simple picture finally reaches to Ethan’s soul and starts the healing process he’s been denying for years.
Together these two can accomplish anything they set their minds to because they are stronger as a unit than apart.
For fans of the series, you will see and catch up with familiar faces in Grant, Chloe, Austin, Marley, Chad and Owen. This has definitely become a favourite series of mine and while I’m sad to see it end I’m also happy with how it ended. I can always revisit right? Thank you Megan Erickson for embracing the nerd and showing the world that nerds are HOT!!
I feel a series re-read coming on. I have the urge to get my gamer on and let my nerd flag fly proudly.
“What’d I do to deserve you?” “Had sex with me on a glitter-covered bearskin rug.”
I admit I was apprehensive as to who Ethan’s heroine would be because I kind of have fallen for the recluse, but from the moment Lissa walked onto the page, I had zero doubt she would be perfect for him and she totally was. They are one hundred percent perfect for each other. I may have developed a girl crush on her and that dirty mouth if hers. It was refreshing to see a female character give as good as she got in the dirty talking stakes.
"He grinned and laughed. “There’s no one like you, you know that?” She shuddered as he circled her opening.“I know; I have a dirty mouth.” He leaned down and blew a stream of cold air on her. “Hmmm, yeah it is dirty, but I like it.”
These two take instant chemistry to new levels. Who knew that grumpy Ethan was hiding that much passion under all the black he loves? Well they do say it’s always the quiet ones. The sparks fly when they first meet and only burn hotter with each encounter and they fly off the charts at first touch. I needed a cool drink after that meeting. Holy smokes.
"There’ve been men who didn’t like my honesty or bluntness. Or bossiness.” He cupped her cheek, his expression tender. “Those weren’t men. Those were boys, and they didn’t know what a gem you are.”
Lissa and Ethan aren’t all fire and passion, somehow they both manage to bring the best out in each other without really trying. It’s beautiful to see them both blossom under the attention from the other, even when the going gets tough and harsh words are said they still somehow manage to make a huge impact on the other. It brought tears to my eyes (rather inconvenient as I was on a packed bus) when a simple picture finally reaches to Ethan’s soul and starts the healing process he’s been denying for years.
Together these two can accomplish anything they set their minds to because they are stronger as a unit than apart.
For fans of the series, you will see and catch up with familiar faces in Grant, Chloe, Austin, Marley, Chad and Owen. This has definitely become a favourite series of mine and while I’m sad to see it end I’m also happy with how it ended. I can always revisit right? Thank you Megan Erickson for embracing the nerd and showing the world that nerds are HOT!!
I feel a series re-read coming on. I have the urge to get my gamer on and let my nerd flag fly proudly.
May 2, 2016
*ARC Provided by Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review*
In Leveling the Field, author Megan Erickson tackles the tough job of giving an emotional and physically scarred man his heart back. His life back. And that’s certainly not an easy thing to do, especially when the man is as reclusive and closed off as Ethan Talley.
Ethan is one of those characters that immediately and deeply called to me in the previous books, but never more so than he did in this one. He’s real and troubled and I wanted him to find his happily ever after with someone capable of not only sharing in his happiness but challenging him to be the man he could become. And that’s exactly what photographer Lissa Kingsman did. Lissa challenged Ethan to come out of his reclusive and guilt-laden shell, and she did so in a way that allowed Ethan to be Ethan. Not the same as he was before, but still a man worth loving, still a man worth believing in and sacrificing for.
Man, this was such an fantastic read. Not only were Ethan and Lissa absolutely perfect for each other, but they were fun, too, and while their scenes were hot, they were also heartfelt. Lissa really stepped up to the plate and showed Ethan how to live his life again. How to let go of some of the coldness in his heart, in his soul, and embrace the good things in his life. The things he hadn’t yet allowed himself to truly recognize and appreciate. She taught him how to live and laugh and love again, and that’s something Ethan never expected to find for himself. And something Lissa never expected to find for herself, either.
While Ethan and Lissa’s relationship wasn’t supposed to be anything real or serious, they found themselves unable to walk away from the connection they shared and thus, they had to learn how to communicate with each other in new and different ways. But they worked and I loved how much they grew as a couple, and as individual people. Ethan and Lissa were amazing characters in so many different ways and I loved them so much in this book. Lissa is an outstanding character who made me laugh out loud more than once. I loved her strong personality, her quick-wit and dirty-talking mouth. She was so, so good for Ethan, and I loved that she caught him so off-guard by being exactly who she is: a strong, independent female with a heart of pure gold.
Leveling the Field is an extremely well-written, fast-paced, sexy, and emotional novel that I could not put down. I loved it from start to finish and I cannot recommend it highly enough, especially for anyone looking for a hot novel with a deeper kind of emotional core. The more I read, the more I loved, and the more invested I became in their happily ever after.
Love, love, loved this book!
In Leveling the Field, author Megan Erickson tackles the tough job of giving an emotional and physically scarred man his heart back. His life back. And that’s certainly not an easy thing to do, especially when the man is as reclusive and closed off as Ethan Talley.
Ethan is one of those characters that immediately and deeply called to me in the previous books, but never more so than he did in this one. He’s real and troubled and I wanted him to find his happily ever after with someone capable of not only sharing in his happiness but challenging him to be the man he could become. And that’s exactly what photographer Lissa Kingsman did. Lissa challenged Ethan to come out of his reclusive and guilt-laden shell, and she did so in a way that allowed Ethan to be Ethan. Not the same as he was before, but still a man worth loving, still a man worth believing in and sacrificing for.
Man, this was such an fantastic read. Not only were Ethan and Lissa absolutely perfect for each other, but they were fun, too, and while their scenes were hot, they were also heartfelt. Lissa really stepped up to the plate and showed Ethan how to live his life again. How to let go of some of the coldness in his heart, in his soul, and embrace the good things in his life. The things he hadn’t yet allowed himself to truly recognize and appreciate. She taught him how to live and laugh and love again, and that’s something Ethan never expected to find for himself. And something Lissa never expected to find for herself, either.
While Ethan and Lissa’s relationship wasn’t supposed to be anything real or serious, they found themselves unable to walk away from the connection they shared and thus, they had to learn how to communicate with each other in new and different ways. But they worked and I loved how much they grew as a couple, and as individual people. Ethan and Lissa were amazing characters in so many different ways and I loved them so much in this book. Lissa is an outstanding character who made me laugh out loud more than once. I loved her strong personality, her quick-wit and dirty-talking mouth. She was so, so good for Ethan, and I loved that she caught him so off-guard by being exactly who she is: a strong, independent female with a heart of pure gold.
Leveling the Field is an extremely well-written, fast-paced, sexy, and emotional novel that I could not put down. I loved it from start to finish and I cannot recommend it highly enough, especially for anyone looking for a hot novel with a deeper kind of emotional core. The more I read, the more I loved, and the more invested I became in their happily ever after.
Love, love, loved this book!
April 25, 2016
[3.5 stars]
I liked it. It’s Beauty and the Beast with slight twist. Ethan’s the beast, a man who wears the scars of the accident that took the life of his sister and fractured his family. He was an online personality, running his own Youtube channel commentating video games and since his accident, he has shut his life down as penance for hsi mistake. Lissa is the Beauty, a black heroine who is interested in photographing Ethan for her pictorial project, Rona’s Scars, as a way to create something positive from the loss of her own sister.
Things get heated very quickly and they have a raging amount of chemistry (bonus - love that the heroine is the dirty talker in this scenario). Unfortunately, I would have loved to see some more time spent setting up a friendship with the benefits, and more time showing more of an emotional connection prior to their big cathartic conversation regarding their siblings. It felt a bit rushed at the beginning and the end, but otherwise, an entertaining story. If you’re into a bit of nerdy love mixed with a beauty and the beast theme (and always on the lookout for diverse romantic leads), then check it out.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
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May 2, 2016
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I’m gonna lead by saying this: I love Megan Erickson and I love her Gamers series. She gave me nerdy and dirty with Changing His Game at a time when I needed it most. (Seriously, why aren’t there more nerd romances? Geeky guys – and girls – are hot.) I fell in love with this series early on and each new book just solidified that love more. Leveling the Field was no exception.
I feel like I’ve been waiting for Ethan’s story FOREVER. I love me a good grumpy guy in books (and some might say in life also) and I’ve wanted to see him let go of his guilt and find his HEA for a long time now. As sad as I am that Leveling the Field is the last book in the Gamers series (*wipes away a tear*), I’m so glad it went out in style, with Ethan getting the chance to do just that. I don’t think there could’ve possibly been a more perfect match for him than Lissa, too. She understood his guilt over his sister’s death because she, too, lost her sister and she felt responsible. That might not’ve been what originally connected them – that was a HOT, supposed one-time thing in a coat closet at a wedding – but it’s what eventually brought them closer together.
This book had so many great little moments that I’m completely unwilling to spoil for you in any way. What I’ll say is that you can expect hot HOT HOT sexy times and a good bit of dirty talk – from both Ethan and Lissa. (YES!) Because of the connection they share with the loss of a sister (and the accompanying guilt) you should expect a few feels along the way, too. I loved getting to see more from Austin and Marley, Grant and Chloe, and Chad and Owen in this book. I absolutely adored those characters, so it was great to get just a bit more from them before the series ended. Perfect conclusion to what was – and will likely remain – one of my favorite Brazen series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
FAVORITE QUOTES
I’m gonna lead by saying this: I love Megan Erickson and I love her Gamers series. She gave me nerdy and dirty with Changing His Game at a time when I needed it most. (Seriously, why aren’t there more nerd romances? Geeky guys – and girls – are hot.) I fell in love with this series early on and each new book just solidified that love more. Leveling the Field was no exception.
I feel like I’ve been waiting for Ethan’s story FOREVER. I love me a good grumpy guy in books (and some might say in life also) and I’ve wanted to see him let go of his guilt and find his HEA for a long time now. As sad as I am that Leveling the Field is the last book in the Gamers series (*wipes away a tear*), I’m so glad it went out in style, with Ethan getting the chance to do just that. I don’t think there could’ve possibly been a more perfect match for him than Lissa, too. She understood his guilt over his sister’s death because she, too, lost her sister and she felt responsible. That might not’ve been what originally connected them – that was a HOT, supposed one-time thing in a coat closet at a wedding – but it’s what eventually brought them closer together.
This book had so many great little moments that I’m completely unwilling to spoil for you in any way. What I’ll say is that you can expect hot HOT HOT sexy times and a good bit of dirty talk – from both Ethan and Lissa. (YES!) Because of the connection they share with the loss of a sister (and the accompanying guilt) you should expect a few feels along the way, too. I loved getting to see more from Austin and Marley, Grant and Chloe, and Chad and Owen in this book. I absolutely adored those characters, so it was great to get just a bit more from them before the series ended. Perfect conclusion to what was – and will likely remain – one of my favorite Brazen series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
FAVORITE QUOTES
“You made it clear you wanted to fuck. And I agreed. So don’t treat me like I’m some fragile thing who needs rose petals and cuddling now, okay?”
“I need inside of you,” he muttered. “Haven’t thought of anything else for two fucking weeks but getting back inside you.”
April 5, 2016
Since this is the 4th and final book in this series, we all knew Ethan's story would be hard fought. He's been such an emotional wreck throughout this series due to his past, and any woman who took him on would have to be fierce. Well, Lissa is all that and more. She has a similar history but her family handled it so differently, and she's so much more put together than he is. She recognizes him right away as a former gamer who used to post commentator videos online for different games. She and her brother used to watch his stuff all the time. She had a crush on him back then, but he just disappeared from the world and she always wondered what happened to him. Meanwhile, Lissa is working on a project for the foundation she started in her sister's honor, and she really wants Ethan to be a part of it. However, once they get involved, she decides against asking him to participate.
Ethan really started to come alive as soon as Lissa shows up, and it was awesome to see. Their chemistry was off the charts, and Lissa has quite the filthy mouth on her! They are both very close to their respective siblings, and I really liked seeing those relationships as well. Additionally, Lissa pushes Ethan to get back in touch with his family after a long separation, something even his sister hadn't been able to convince him to do in the prior books.
The conflict came throughout, as Ethan struggled to open himself up again, not just to Lissa, but to the world. He'd been hiding so long, he wasn't sure if he deserved, or could handle, more. Then, of course, the big conflict you can see coming from the beginning blows up, and it's awful. My only real complaint here is that I didn't feel there was nearly enough groveling on Ethan's part afterward. He did make a few gestures to help her, before they actually speak again in person after the blow-up. But, I felt she forgave him too easily. He said some truly horrible, hateful things to her, including basically calling her a wh*re. Regardless of his misapprehensions about what she had done, she didn't deserve to be the recipient of such vitriol. Not to mention such an easy apology acceptance. I hope Ethan knows how lucky he is!
The epilogue was very satisfying, and overall this was a great read and a nice close to the Gamers Series. Can't wait to see what Megan has for us next!!
Ethan really started to come alive as soon as Lissa shows up, and it was awesome to see. Their chemistry was off the charts, and Lissa has quite the filthy mouth on her! They are both very close to their respective siblings, and I really liked seeing those relationships as well. Additionally, Lissa pushes Ethan to get back in touch with his family after a long separation, something even his sister hadn't been able to convince him to do in the prior books.
The conflict came throughout, as Ethan struggled to open himself up again, not just to Lissa, but to the world. He'd been hiding so long, he wasn't sure if he deserved, or could handle, more. Then, of course, the big conflict you can see coming from the beginning blows up, and it's awful. My only real complaint here is that I didn't feel there was nearly enough groveling on Ethan's part afterward. He did make a few gestures to help her, before they actually speak again in person after the blow-up. But, I felt she forgave him too easily. He said some truly horrible, hateful things to her, including basically calling her a wh*re. Regardless of his misapprehensions about what she had done, she didn't deserve to be the recipient of such vitriol. Not to mention such an easy apology acceptance. I hope Ethan knows how lucky he is!
The epilogue was very satisfying, and overall this was a great read and a nice close to the Gamers Series. Can't wait to see what Megan has for us next!!
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