A MelanieM Advent Release Day Review: New Game, Start by C.S. Poe

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Reclusive medieval scholar, Edgar Royal, has a crush. On a guy. Not a big deal, except that said guy, Walter Chase, is a famous online gamer who has no idea Edgar even exists. Edgar has harbored these feelings for nearly a year, and when Walter announces on Twitter that he’ll be visiting New York City as a guest at the GamerOn convention, Edgar decides he’ll be one of the thousands of fans who responds to the message.

He definitely doesn’t expect to be singled out by the humble, gorgeous, out-and-proud heartthrob. And when it comes to dealing with people, Edgar’s skills are pretty nonexistent. Even with Walter giving all the right signals, Edgar lacks the courage do anything about the mutual attraction growing through their online courtship. He’s always been better with the written word, so maybe the perfect Christmas gift will say what he cannot. But if Edgar can’t get the present to Walter before the convention ends, he may miss out on the boyfriend of a lifetime.

I enjoy stories about gamer nerds so combining that with a holiday theme is a definite draw. C.S. Poe gets the gaming aspects spot on while creating a sweet romance for Edgar and Walter, two gamers looking for love at a convention in NYC.

New Game, Start by C.S. Poe has lovely characters, a great setting (NYC and a gamer convention), and an easy flow to her story that sweeps you into the life of Edgar Royal, medieval scholar and reclusive gamer. Not once did Edgar ever come across as anything less than authentic. You believe in Edgar, crossed signals, his lack of self worth…and wish that everything will go Edgar’s way when he actually meets up with his hero, Walter. Walter too is a terrific character and the combination works in every way as the geeky courtship builds towards a relationship.

I loved the feel of this story, it’s a lovely, quiet romp to the end and definitely one I recommend.

Cover art by Paul Richmond is the series Stocking Stuffer cover, full of humor and good cheer.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar collection Stocking Stuffers.

ebook, 38 pages
Published December 1st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781640803145
Edition Language English
setting New York City, New York (United States)

By Scattered Thoughts

At over 50, I am ruled by my terriers, my gardens, and my projects. A knack for grubbing about in the woods, making mud pies, and tending to the injured worms, bugs, and occasional bird and turtle growing up eventually led me to working for the Parks. I was a park Naturalist for over 20 years, and observing Nature and her cycles still occupy my hours. From the arrival of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the Spring to the first call of the Snow Geese heading south in the Fall, I am entranced by the seasons. For more about me see my bio on my blog.

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