When I read the pitch for this book, I was so excited! The premise checked a lot of boxes for me (about a MtG-like card game, rivals-to-lovers, a convention!) but the execution... fell flat, to put it mildly. There were a lot of smaller things I didn't like about it (no women in their play group, weird anachronistic technology stuff, lack of verisimilitude when it came to the road trip elements) but the big issue I had with it was the total lack of tension the narrative brought to the romance itself. I prefer rivals-to-lovers stories to have rivals with more of an actual rivalry. The plot gave them a reason they both needed to win the tournament, but it didn't feel like it carried over enough into their actions/emotions. I actually got bored with the narrative and started to skim around 30% (though part of that was also because of the dull road trip details. It focuses on a lot of the boring elements of road trips, like driving, traffic, interstate changes) and finally gave up around 50% in. Ultimately, this one really just wasn't for me.

Rainbows and Sunshine
May 26, 2020

I loved Conventionally Yours for so many reasons. Most of all for the way it made feel. Like watching an old rom-com that gives you butterflies.

I found it very different from her previous books. The writing style is so beautiful. Rivals-to-lovers on a road trip?! This book was perfection. I could relate to both Alden and Conrad. Alden because I used to be that kid that got picked last. And Conrad because his experiences are the reason I haven't come out to my parents yet. But this book is hope. It made me laugh and cry and feel a whole lot of emotions.

Conrad and Alden were perfect for each other. Even their rivalry was cute. Written in dual POV, Conventionally Yours is a book that will stay with me for a long time.

Odyssey, the game is quite intriguing. I loved the different cards and moves and it was very interesting to read about it, especially the convention. Totally recommend this book!

*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

A sweet frenemies to lovers novel about two young men who are gamers. Conrad and Alden are very different in so many ways but they bond on a road trip to a big tournament, especially because they're forced to share, something neither one has really done before. I'm not a gamer nor am I familiar with what gamers atually do so I learned a bit, which is always a good thing. There is a lot of gaming though so if you're like me, you might find it a bit slow in spots. Both characters are well done and nicely rounded, as are those they meet. This is a romance but there's very little steam- but the romance is convincing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good NA/YA crossover read.

Judging from the reviews already out there, this is going to be a hit or miss book. I personally adored this book!

This is very different from Annabeth Albert's usual books in many ways:
- It's NA, both characters being in their early twenties and just finishing college or starting a job.
I was actually surprised how much I enjoyed this anyway, because usually, NA books are too angsty for my taste, but these two leads were just my kind of people. Layered, vulnerable, and not easy to get to know. But that's were the road trip adventure comes in. While driving to Vegas, the boys get to really know each other, and you get a feeling that they connect slowly and gradually, and that is just my kind of romance!
- It's the slowest of slow burn with non-explicit sex scenes.
Conrad and Alden start out not really liking each other, and slowly realize that that is because neither of them ever bothered to look very closely at the other. As they get to know each other on the road, they discover that they're both actually so much more than what they show other people or even believe themselves to be. Again, this is the kind of romance I just love. It has a lot of self-discovery and not much flash. But to me, Alden quietly but firmly standing up to his overprotective parents was so worth it.
I also wasn't bothered by the lack of explicit sex scenes, in fact, it was a welcome change of pace for me. And it fits the characters in my opinion.
- A lot of the plot revolves around gaming
So if you're easily put off by that sort of thing, stay away. Me, I enjoyed it. The game taught the boys a lot about themselves in the end, so I enjoyed that it was part of their journey.

All in all, this was a really lovely story about a road trip and self discovery for me. It did drag a bit here and there for me, but ultimately, I really enjoyed spending time with the boys and their friends and thought their story was really sweet!

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. I am a huge sucker for enemy to lover stories as well as books that are based on conventions and general "nerdiness". What I liked most about this story is the character development. It wasn't rushed, the author took their time to ensure that the decisions made by the characters reflected where they were at that time. I found myself able to easily relate to a lot of the experiences of the two main characters and I was truly engrossed in their journey.

The story follows two players of a popular card game, they both are part of the same popular club, who stream online, they have developed a very heated rivalry. They are offered the chance to compete at a big tournament on the other side of the country. For multiple reasons, they embark on a cross-country roadtrip to get to the tournament with the tournament winner offered money and a chance to become a professional. The story explores so much of why each character is the way they are and their motivations.

I really enjoyed this and am keen to read more from this author.

This sweet m/m romance was a delight to read. Conrad, Alden, and all their gaming friends are just wonderful. There is a lot of focus on a card game - think something similar to "Magic the Gathering" - that some readers may have difficulty following. But understanding the game adds to the authenticity of what's at stake. how meaningful this is to both Conrad and Alden, and how we all need something that allows to escape from our life, if only for a moment. Also, despite having a pretty light tone - this book does an excellent job of touching on some important themes - like finding your own way, familial relationships, and more. Additionally, the representation in is the story is amazing!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for the advanced copy of Conventionally Yours!

Though they are both members of the same Odyssey gaming group, Alden Roth and Conrad Stewart are frequently at odds. Their rivalry is well know, due to their recurring role as players on the semi-famous YouTube series “Gamer Grandpa.” On the surface, Conrad’s life is perfect, but he is actually struggling to make ends meet. Alden’s need for control has been constantly challenged over the last few years, leaving him unsure about what he wants to do with his life. When the Gamer Grandpa team receives free passes to compete in the national Odyssey convention, both boys think that they may have found an answer to all their woes. The only thing standing in the way of their dreams is the prospect of a many-day car trip spent dealing with each other, but if they can survive that, winning the tournament will be a piece of cake!

You can get your copy of Conventionally Yours on June 2nd from Sourcebooks Fire!

From the first page, Conventionally Yours won a place in my heart, and on my list of favorite rom-coms of all time! Annabeth Albert did a fantastic job of creating two like-able and understandably motivated characters, who you can’t help but root for. I was especially fond of Alden, and Albert’s choice to include a neurodiverse protagonist wonderful to see, given the unfortunate rarity of neurodiversity in young adult novels. I also really enjoyed the gaming-centric storyline!

My Recommendation-
If you’ve been on the hunt for a sweet and romantic story with lots of LGBTQ representation, Conventionally Yours should definitely be on your radar! This book would be an especially great fit if you love gaming, conventions, and all things geek-centric!

I was excited to receive Conventionally Yours as an eARC from #NetGalley and as it was the first book by Annabeth Albert that I'd read, I didn't really know what to expect. But it was such an endearing read!

So basically it's a new adult M/M enemies to lovers book, set in the world of gamer geeks (so nerdy, but sooo cute😍), with our two MCs Connor and Alden being part of a 'rainbow' table top card gaming club (lots of LGBTQIA representation🌈). The club has an online following and uploads videos of their games, with Connor and Alden's fractious relationship being great for viewing.

The team gets some free tickets to a gaming convention and decide to attend to play for the big cash prize. With cost being an issue, they decide to head across country on a 5 day road trip. Connor and Alden are rivals on the team, and for the big prize, which would be life changing for either of them. When things go awry and Connor and Alden end up travelling alone to the conference, their relationship slowly begins to change and things aren't always what they seem....

Okay, so you know where this one is heading, but it was really enjoyably written and the author explored some real life issues too (coming out, peer pressure, family pressure to succeed, being kicked out of home). Summer feels and recommended as a great beach read ☀

4 ✨✨✨✨

I'm a huge Annabeth Albert fan and the first NA title by her was a delight. Much tamer than her adult series but still full of romantic tension between these two rivals to more.

Think more her Gaymer series rather than her military titles.

As always she brings depth to the characters (one of the MC's is neurodiverse and Jewish - both have complicated relationships with their parents) while adding the fun road trip aspect and, of course, the competition between Alden and Conrad for a spot on the Odyssey Pro Tour - something they both desperately need.

There were a few overly repeated phrases (might be fixed in the final copy since this review pertains to an arc) & I adored the ending but it did seem to drag out and become overly sappy but I do like my concrete happy endings.

Another sweet romance with a bunch of game play. And by game play I mean actual gaming. The two main characters, Alden and Conrad, are in a gaming group who play a Dungeons and Dragons type game called Odyssey. The group gets tickets to go to the big convention and compete. Most of the story is about Alden and Conrad driving to the convention and bickering, then becoming friendly, then falling in love. It was so sweet and adorable. They each have issues that make for convincing drama. Alden is more introverted and he has anxiety problems. Conrad's parents kicked him out of the house when he came out and has trust issues among other problems. I loved everything in this story from the beginning to the end. A happy-ever-after is my thing and this book is so good at this. I did come across a pet peeve of mine. Winking. Yes, there was a wink. But in the context it was sweet and I didn't mind it at all. I hope the next book in the series has Alden and Conrad because I want to see how they are doing in the future.

Charming and charismatic Conrad Stewart seems to have it all...but in reality, he’s had the toughest year of life.

Brilliant and 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.

This your classic enemies-to-lovers, and while the game played by the characters will not be familiar (as it’s made up), this is a trope we all know and love. These characters really were the polar opposites of one another. With each chapter written in an alternating POV, the reader really gets an in-depth look at both of the characters’ ways of thinking and distinct personalities. Alden and Conrad were two truly different, lovable characters.

Conrad’s back story gave this novel a lot of depth relating to the challenges faced by queer kids who come out. Especially when they did not come out of their own volition.

There is a host of diverse secondary characters. Three out of four of the members of the play group are gay. One is non-binary. Their sponsor is a gay male with a Hispanic husband. Alden’s parents are two women. So there Is no shortage of the representation, which I appreciate.

However, I dislike when the inclusion of certain characters feels like a box to check. While I do love the inclusion of Payton (the non-binary character), their non-binary identity is never mentioned beyond their pronouns. While Albert may have done this to emphasize how much the other characters accepted them in order to normalize their identity, it also makes the character slightly two-dimensional. BUT, this book is the first in a series so I am hoping that Payton will get their own book *fingers crossed* and we can delve deeper into their journey. This book is also one of the first books I have read with a non-binary character so I definitely love the rep.

There are still a few spelling errors, so I am hoping this is resolved before the very final draft as this is my absolute peeve as a reader. For instance, in the last chapter it says “dismissal record” when the intended word choice was “dismal.”

This was a very fun and lighthearted YA read, while also lending light to important topics. I am excited for the rest of this series by Annabeth Albert.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Conventionally Yours is my first book by Annabeth Albert, and it won’t be the last. This book is a charming road-trip romance between unlikely lovers that also isn’t afraid to tackle some of the issues faced by LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse people, especially those just coming of age and figuring out what they want to do.

I liked both Conrad and Alden, and how their rivalry never felt over the top, leading to a realistic progression to love. I also like that the characters have nuance, discussing Conrad’s rejection by his parents due to his sexuality and how it led to him having to drop out of school because of the financial stuff, and Alden’s struggle post-college figuring out what to do with his life when his first choice didn’t pan out. And their coming to an understanding about these secret parts of each other, and how it led to more, was really sweet.

The main premise revolves around gaming, so at times, I did feel a bit out of my depth, but enough of that phenomenon is conveyed to get the gist of it, even if it wasn’t necessarily my favorite part of the book.

This was a fun book, and I can’t wait to read more from Albert going forward. I recommend this to lovers of LGBTQ+ romance and/or those interested in stories centered on gaming.

I liked this book a lot. I think both Conrad and Alden are extremely likeable main characters, you’re rooting for them both throughout the story. I love books about fun roadtrips and this book is no exception! If you liked ‘How to Repair a Mechanical Heart’ by J.C. Lillis, you’ll definitely like this book. The ending is a bit fast for me but for others that may not be an issue. I loved the card game which is basically Magic the Gathering and found the gameplay descriptions really fun to read. Overall, this is a very cute, fun, fast read!

Conventionally Yours follows Alden and Conrad, two nerdy game players coming from very different backgrounds who are suddenly traveling together on a cross country journey to a major gaming convention where each needs to win the game tournament for personal reasons.

For some reason when I picked this one up I was expecting the game to be a video game rather than a card game so that threw me a bit to start- but as a former Magic The Gathering player I was familiar with the gaming convention scene the author was building.

I liked the beginning of the book, and enjoyed each of the characters, but felt like the middle part dragged on a bit longer than it needed to. Of course a cross country trip takes a long time, but I felt like we could have shortened the trip by a day or two without missing too much.

As the book was closing, I was really enjoying the ending, but the last few pages seemed a little too clunky, and like the characters weren’t committing to any one possible path enough. I don’t mind open ended stories, but this one seemed to have multiple possible endings that even the characters couldn’t choose between.

Overall a solid 3.5 stars from me. An enjoyable read that had romance without getting too steamy. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Sometimes you can see people once or twice a week for years, but do you really know them? You most likely come to assumptions about those people. You know what they say about assumptions thought right? Well for Conrad and Alden, that was the case. A road trip to Vegas was all they needed to not only have those assumptions blown out of the water, their views of each other make a complete 180. A game introduced them, Luckily it also brought them together. Throughout their trip, they learn more about each other and open up about their circumstances in life. What they find is love but more, they find how their lives would fit together in the future. Conrad is so patient with Alden. And Alden reminded me of Sheldon. A wonderful story of two men who find themselves as well as love.

I haven’t before found an enemies to lovers relationship that I find as believable and easy to root for as the one here between Alden and Conrad.

The dual perspective allows the reader to really see why the characters dislike each other and see how their feelings slowly start to change. I’m tired of seeing “enemies” where one side doesn’t have a perspective because they are secretly in love with the other character, so this was a welcome change.

I am not a gamer, but found the whole concept of this story easy to follow and relate to. I think anyone who has taken part in any sort of fandom culture would be able to see themselves in the characters and their experiences.

While I went into this story expecting a light, fluffy romance, I did appreciate the more heavy topics dealt with as well. Alden is nuerodiverse and dealing with overbearing parents who have a definite idea of who he should be and what he should be doing. Conrad has had a falling out with his family after being outed to his dad. Both of them are struggling with the (always relatable) fact that they need to find their own paths in the world and what they want for their lives versus the expectations that have been placed on them.

Overall, this is definitely a book I would recommend for those who love romance, rivals to lovers, fandom culture, and anyone who has struggled with the struggle of figuring out your own life post-college.

As a general rule these days, I try to read more queer books these day written by Own Voices authors. I don’t solely read them though and this book looked like the perfect rom-com for me and it was New Adult which is an age-range I’ve not read much of. So when I saw it on NetGalley, I decided I wanted to give it a read.

Conventionally Yours focuses on Conrad and Alden, two young men who play the fictional card game Odyssey. They appear on a vlog called Gamer Grandpa with their play group and their connections to it nets them tickets to a massive con and competition in Vegas. A competition that could win them a lot of fame and money. Something both of them need. Only their journey there is going to be a road trip they won’t forget and, unsurprisingly, they fall in love.

This being a romance novel, I was a little worried that it would be a lot of pointless smut. I find that boring and it’s one of the reasons I don’t enjoy a lot of romance novels but this wasn’t too bad. This book employs the there’s only one bed trope at some point and yet? When they share a bed you get a moment that is just sweet and I preferred that so much. There’s more kissing then sex and the smut is a bit more fade-to-black then I expected. Thankfully for me, this meant that I could enjoy the book a little more than I do other romances.

Still, at first, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this book. It took a little while to get into, the opening chapters a little slow but once Alden and Conrad are really on their journey, I found myself enjoying it. The book was easy to get through, their adventures fun and honestly? I wanna eat at some of the diners they found. I liked Alden best but I felt for both boys, their home situations aren’t great but they really help each other grow. They become more likeable the more time they spent together and that worked really well.

I will say though, for a book about something as nerdy as a trading card game, there weren’t many other pop culture references. I know these can date a book a bit in the future but it made them feel less nerdy I guess. These guys who play a game – that made sense and I honestly did enjoy reading the matches of – don’t really make references to anything else nerdy? Seems kinda weird to me.

But this book was enjoyable enough and I think I will be checking out the next ones!

This book was such a wonderful read. I enjoyed the setting of a road trip and convention. Two things I love. They really added to the character building and growth of Conrad and Alden. The beginning of the book was a bit slow, but I liked seeing the different sides of Conrad and Alden. They were opposites and "enemies", which made this book even more interesting to me. I liked seeing them grow and learn more about each other along their road trip. The convention and game play made me feel like I was there watching the tournament. Overall, this was a fun enemies to lovers book with lots of ups and down for both the main characters. I'd definitely recommend it.

I'm curious to see what happens in book two and if it follows these two or some of the supporting characters like Jasper or Payton.

I think this is probably my fault. I went into this expecting a light, teen romance romp, but it's much more New Adult-y, which isn't a genre I tend to enjoy. I didn't dislike this one, exactly, it just didn't catch me like I was hoping it would. I hope it does well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so refreshing and a joy to read

-Rivals to lovers
-Opposites attract
-Only one bed
-Roadtrip/Close proximity
-So much tension
-A gaming convention
-First love
-Stargazing

This book was so sweet and just what I needed. I loved how both Conrad and Alden had such distinctive voices. Both had to learn not to judge someone based on outward appearances as they both fell in love for the first time. Their sweet glances and feelings developed naturally despite starting as rivals. I would describe this as a romance with the door partially open, letting you glance in but leaving a lot to the imagination too. If you're not into super steamy reads but prefer longing looks, handholding, and the subtleties this is definitely a book for you. The setting was so unique and added to the story. Alden's voice was especially distinctive due to his anxiety and being neurodiverse. There's so much to love in this sweet book.

Trigger warning: parental abandonment, homelessness, anxiety

4.5 Stars