Review: Connection Error (#gaymers, #3) by Annabeth Albert

It's typical of video game programmer Josiah Simmons to be the last one on the plane on the way to the biggest meeting of his career. Though he's (mostly) coping with his ADHD, he can't handle another distraction. But he also can't ignore his rugged seatmate—especially once he learns the military man's a fan of his game.

Ryan Orson refuses to let his severe injuries pause his career as a navy SEAL. He's got hours of grueling physical therapy ahead of him, and no time for anything that might get in the way of his return to active duty. But that doesn't mean he's above a little first-class flirtation with geeky-cute Josiah.

When a delay strands the pair in St. Louis, they agree to share a hotel room and a night of gaming. Neither expects their new connection to move to the next level in the light of day. Opposites may attract, but is this game over before it's even begun?

Newly made team lead, Josiah Simmons is ready to prove that his young age and ADHD won’t limit his success. On the way to a big meeting in Germany, he’s seated next to the hottest man he’s ever seen, navy SEAL Ryan Orson. Ryan’s an enthusiastic gamer, and while he doesn’t usually go for nerdy, he finds himself drawn to Josiah. When a storm strands the two overnight, they decide to share a hotel room and spend the night gaming, before parting ways in the morning.

Halfway through intensive physical therapy, Ryan doesn’t think a long-distance relationship would be a good idea. But when Josiah stops to visit him on his way back from Germany, he can’t deny that the two have a connection. There’s a lot standing between them - Ryan’s therapy takes a toll, and Josiah is still learning how to be an independent adult. But the two take it one step at a time.

This book doesn’t shy away from showing how different disabilities can affect daily life. This author clearly did her research, and presented it without becoming lecture-y. I think to fully appreciate what Ryan goes through, it’s best to find out the extent of his injuries and recovery at the same time Josiah does so in the book.

All I’ll say is that it didn’t take me long to develop a deep respect for Ryan.

Josiah and Ryan’s relationship grows slowly. They’re apart from each other for most of the book. What they feel for one another grows through their emails, chats, and Skype dates. They don’t make it easy, taking one step forward and two steps back many times.

Though the two take a while to get moving, I had no trouble believing that Ryan and Josiah fell for each other hard. They fit together perfectly.

There isn’t a whole lot of sex in this book, but it’s still pretty hot stuff. Ryan is a total bossy top with a dirty mouth, and Josiah finds that he likes being ordered around in the bedroom. The two even take a stab at some exhibitionism.

My only complaint in this department is that the Skype sex was all off-page. On-page Skype sex would have been the cherry on top!

What I enjoy most in a romance is when the main characters help each other grow, and that’s definitely the case here. Being with Ryan helps Josiah find the confidence in himself that he’s always lacked, and that includes not using Ryan as a crutch. For Ryan, being with Josiah shows him that he’s more than just a SEAL, and he doesn’t always have to take care of everyone.

Ryan and Josiah have to work hard for their happy ever after, but it was worth it in the end!

‘Connection Error’ has a lot going for it - a geek, a military hunk, lots of hurt/comfort, and, to top it off, an adorable puppy. Recommended if you’re looking for a contemporary read that will pull at your heartstrings!

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