Beta Test by Annabeth Albert

To those of you in the U.S., Happy Memorial Day! I hope you had a nice weekend. Today is also my birthday; just thought I'd throw that out there. ;)

Beta Test by Annabeth Albert

Review by Lauren

source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own

Official Summary: Brilliant graphic designer Ravi Tandel is ahead of the game—he's just been asked to present a top secret project at a huge conference in Seattle. All systems are go...until he learns his buttoned-up office nemesis is coming along for the ride.

Tristan Jones isn't really the gamer type, but he knows the back end of the video game business inside out. Together, he and Ravi will give an awesome presentation. If they survive the cross-country trip first.

Tossed together in close quarters, Ravi's shocked to see Tristan's sexy, softer side emerge from such a conservative shell. He's less shocked to learn his handsome colleague's prominent family would never support an out-and-proud son. But Ravi didn't struggle through his own coming out to hide who he is now. To be together, Tristan will have to push past his fear and ultimately decide: Does he want a future with Ravi? Or is it game over before they've even begun?

Review: Beta Test is the second book in the #gaymers series (which I have to say, is a very accurate, yet unique series title!) I read and reviewed Status Update, the first book, late last year and really loved it so I was excited to see what and who the second book would be about. Status Update involved a fairly long road trip, and Beta Test is the same. Except this time, Ravi and Tristan know each other beforehand; they just don't particularly know what to think of each other. Ravi is out and proud, no matter what people think. He does have issues with his family, though, so he understands that worry and fear. As for Tristan, he's kept his sexuality not exactly a secret, but private. Nobody knows he's gay at his new job, until his anger at Ravi lets it spill one evening.

Cue the road trip! These two are paired up to bring an exhibit from their video game company to a comic convention. It doesn't take too long for the two to warm up to each other. Ravi is more extroverted, but he understands and even starts to crave some alone or quiet time, like Tristan needs. Being on the road together, and even having to stay at hotels on the way, means the two open up about things in their past - family issues and past relationships. While there is definitely an attraction, none of them really want to disrupt their work life, especially if they get together and it doesn't work out. This leads to a "road relationship and nothing else" type of deal. Of course, who really thinks their connection/attraction can just go away after the convention?

That's what I thought...

Overall, this was a good read! I can't really say if I preferred one over the other - Status Update or Beta Test. They do have similar "type" of characters, but I still liked the differences! I'll be curious to see if there is more to come! I think I know who the next book might focus on...