Review: Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert
SYNOPSIS:
When two “big name fans” go head-to-head at a convention, love isn’t the only thing at stake.
Charming, charismatic, and effortlessly popular, Conrad Stewart seems to have it all…but in reality, he’s scrambling to keep his life from tumbling out of control.
Brilliant, guarded, and endlessly driven, Alden Roth may as well be the poster boy for perfection…but even he can’t help but feel a little broken inside.
When these mortal enemies are stuck together on a cross-country road trip to the biggest fan convention of their lives, their infamous rivalry takes a backseat as an unexpected connection is forged. Yet each has a reason why they have to win the upcoming Odyssey gaming tournament and neither is willing to let emotion get in the way―even if it means giving up their one chance at something truly magical.
REVIEW:
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
I am actually having trouble writing this review, as this novel was book nirvana for me. This story was the epitome of all my favorite things, romance, gaming, conventions, enemies to lovers, and to add icing to this cake, it was male-male. I had exceedingly high hopes going in and Annabeth Albert did not disappoint, if anything, it makes me want to read her entire back-log of books.
So I am going to get to Conrad, Alden, and the Gamer Grandpa crew in a moment but first off this is the type of book you read that moves you. It leaves you feeling fundamentally different, with a lightness in your heart, and tears in your eyes. It’s the type of story that transcends romance and one I know I will re-read each year. From the tangible emotions and struggles of the characters, to the endless misunderstandings and complicated relationships, this book is so very much more than a love story. It’s a story about being vulnerable, and learning that gaming is more than the win, it’s a sanctuary and a safe place.
Now onto Conrad and Alden who are literally the perfect f*ck*n couple. What started off as hatred was actually just one big miscommunication/lack of communication and when circumstances finally force these two to be alone on a cross-country road trip…they both begin to open up their hearts. Secrets are shared, promises are whispered, and honestly I am tearing up writing this because they are just so wonderful together. It’s the perfect chemistry when two characters so seamlessly gel. They truly understand each other on a fundamental level that had me swooning and cheering them on.
As individual characters, both have difficult battles to face. Alden learned to find his voice and his passion. His character arc was uplifting, I wanted to wrap this tender, misunderstood boy in my arms and never let him go. His struggles and inner turmoil were palpable but seeing him work through his challenges had me grinning and filled my heart with hope. In contrast, Conrad was pretending to be fine when he was anything but and when he finally learned to open up to and depend on someone else, I was elated. Conrad not only learned how to be honest but he learned how to forgive himself and that had my heart soaring.
The secondary characters were fantastic, I am dying to know more about the other members of the Gamer Grandpa channel, Jasper and Payton. This rag-tag team of boys was just a fantastic mesh of personalities. The story line is completely unique and honestly I will be book pushing this to everyone I talk to. It was a truly moving story line with so much character growth that was masterfully balanced with romance. In the end this book left my eyes filled with tears of joy and just thinking about it has my eyes tearing up again. Simply putting it, this book was a true masterpiece.
LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
