Book Review: Status Update (#gaymers 1) by Annabeth Albert

When game designer, Adrian Gottlieb, finds himself stranded at an RV park in Utah after his current boyfriend kicks him out and drives off with all of his money and belongings, a kind geoarcheology professor, Noah Walters, takes him in and agrees to drive him home to Denver. Even though Adrian is instantly attracted to Noah, he also knows better than to dive right in to another potential relationship so soon.

Noah Walters grew up in a strict evangelical household. He attended Christian schools and is well on his way to tenure at a well-known Christian university. He lives a solitary life, his dog his only companion, because he's hiding his true self; a part of him that can never be revealed. Not even to the cute game designer he's driving to Denver.

Overall, this is a sweet book. It took quite a long time for the story to actually get rolling (I was 41% through the book before things finally started to pick up) and there is certainly a slow burn between the main characters. Noah's constant self-loathing and regression of his feelings was a frustrating at times. On one hand, I empathized with Noah because I understand the brainwashing and strong hold a strict Christian upbringing can have on a person; but on the other hand, I just wanted him to stand up for himself. He was a grown man, who could do as he pleased, but he always held himself back because of his career. He was resigned to being stuck in a miserable life just so he could have tenure. That was mind boggling to me.

This is an enjoyable book, but I wish there had been less exposition and set up at the beginning.

3.5 stars

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Buy links
Carina Press | Amazon

~ M