Conventionally Yours - Annabeth Albert

Date of Reading: 28/03/2020

Author: Annabeth Albert

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication Date: June 2, 2020

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

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:

       Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in . . .

I am slumped. How will you describe a book that you loved so much and no adjective is adequate to describe the feeling? Amazing, addictive, fast-paced, cute . . . it's everything and much more. The plethora of emotions this story arouses will leave you lightheaded for sure (in a good way, that is).

      Not many authors handle enemies to lovers trope really well and in that case, this book by Annabeth Albert, without a doubt, is a rare gem. The slow-burning romance involving two guys from different social backgrounds is dealt with an impeccable storyline; the cross-country road trip (I loved how four men team is eliminated to two), the Odyssey games and the family drama all produce an unrivalled emotional ambience. 
       Conrad and Alden have their own demons to fight. While the former is kicked out of home for being gay, Alden is battling the expectations of his super-academic family along with social awkwardness problems. Since both hide their problems quite efficiently, it takes some divine (or authorial) intervention to bring them together. And that makes one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read.
      The Odyssey game is an integral part of the storyline but you don't have to be a gamer to enjoy this. I hardly play any games, but reading this was like vicariously living through the characters. The thrill, dilemma, frustrations. . . you name it. And the Gamer Grandpa vlog is something to root for.
      All in all, a vibrant story that should not be missed. Thank you Sourcebooks for granting my wish through NetGalley. When everything is dark and gloomy outside, this was like getting your favourite dessert. 

Meet the author:

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favourites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.