VERY explicit story about a guy who gets stuck in various video games whilst trying to get over his cheating ex. It's bright and colourful, full of humour, and thoroughly entertaining. If you don't like seeing explicit sex scenes in your graphic novels then you might not want to pick this one up...but if you that doesn't bother you (or it's exactly what you're after!) then this is a great choice!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

Kennedy and Seth have been together for six years, but their relationship is going through a rough path and when Kennedy discovers Seth is cheating on him is destroyed, While Kennedy is trying to distract himself with his beloved videogames, a power surge hits and he's transported inside the videogames library. There he will be seduced, he will have a threesome with barbarians, he will have a crush on an idealized version of himself and an anthropomorphic cheetah, while trying to get back to his own world and battling his own heartbreak, disappointments and hurts.

Cheter Code is an erotic graphic novel and it's really well done. I loved the story and the drawings and the way the author deals with the main character's feelings. Kennedy feels lost and disappointed and the various sexy encounters, the whole game to get back to his reality is a way to process his own feelings about Seth, himself and his future. Through sex, adventures, fights and a lots of sexy innuendo, Kenney rediscovers his confidence and fights for himself and his right to move on and be happy again.

I liked the art, the story and the innuendo. Really funny, heartwarming and cute.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars This was so much fun I'm so glad i got to read it early. Cheater Code is a very explicit graphic novel about Ken who ends up stuck in the worlds of his favorite video games where he meets some pretty sexy characters. This was described as an erotic graphic novel and i would say that it definitely delivers on this front this is full of steamy gay sex scenes but it is also a really sweet story about someone going through heartbreak and regaining their confidence.
Cheater Code is a great graphic novel with a fun plot and some interesting characters, I highly recommend it if you want to have a good time reading about a cute guy getting over his ex-cheating boyfriend by fucking some video game characters.
Also sidenote i didn't realise at first but this is illustrated by the same guy ( Daz ) who made the webcomic Tobias and Guy for those who know.

tags: graphic novel, gay smut, like really explicit sex scenes, pretty realistic sex with talk of protection and preparation, sweet and sexy at the same time
content warning: cheating, end of a long-term relationship

A homoerotic graphic novel, perfect for gaymer and those of us who used your games consoles to console our heartbreak.

Ok, I apologise for my bad pun, but this was a fun read where I was smiling all the way through, with a positive look at safe gay sex, using toys and lube and, once you get pass the sex (so much sex!), you see the sweetness over the main character trying to come to terms and get over his heartbreak.

This was a wild ride.

I knew what I was getting into. It said homoerotic, and I expected the sex scenes, but it was still a shock when the first page opened up to a sex scene. So let me reiterate. THIS IS NOT FOR KIDS!!!

This graphic novel follows Kennedy, who is going through a bad break up after catching his boyfriend cheating on him, and he’s not taking it very well. Trying to make himself feel better, he accidentally ends up in his games, and having sex with every character he comes across.

I wasn’t expecting much, but I had fun reading this, not because of the smut, but because of how funny it was. The situation is so ridiculous, but Kennedy goes along with it, and has sexy adventures beyond his wildest dreams. I love the art. The character designs are great, and I loved Kennedy’s pudgy belly. It made it more realistic, and I was not expecting an actual character arc. Kennedy’s break up and growing acceptance was sweet to unfold, once you’re not distracted by the sex scenes. I found myself cheering him on, it’s clear his sexual shenanigans is his therapeutic way of processing his grief at the loss of his relationship.

Don’t let the erotic tag put you off (or on *wink wink). This is a funny and sexy read that can touch your heart, and make you giggle.

I often find that erotic comics / graphic novels are very unrealistic in the way they portray its characters, but I didn't really feel like this was the case here! With appearances of ways of protection against HIV, lots of lube, sex toys, and deep emotional issues it is very realistic! Sure, the story is about a guy that is transported into his video games and has sex with the characters, but the other aspects are so realistic that I just loved it! Also, creds for not creating a very toxic mindset and portrayal of sex and lust!

Before I begin the review I just want to reiterate that this is not a book for kids.

This was a great graphic erotic novel. Kennedy catches his boyfriend cheating on him. He tries to play away his sadness. But, This gets him sucked into several video games where he meets several interesting characters. They have quite the steamy encounters. This had a great storyline, characters and illustrations.

An erotic comic with a sweet message. This was my first foray into this genre, and I found the premise intriguing and the art adorable. Appropriate for folks who enjoyed Saga.

<i>A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!</i>

I have to be honest here. I was naive when I requested this graphic novel. It said it was homoerotic, but I did not expect it to be <i>this</i> homoerotic, haha! I figured, I love graphic novels, I love (homo)erotica (I mean I read so much fanfiction), this is right up my alley!

Then the first page was a blowjob, with some rimming, and anal sex.

I immediately realized I had grossly miscalculated the amount of erotica, but was 100% here for it! I had a good chuckle at myself; who knew that I could still be taken by surprise, hahah!

Cheat(er) Code was so good, though! There is some actual character development; I am so proud of Ken! Also, Seth can fucking choke. The ending was just the best and I couldn't stop grinning. There is also plenty of humor throughout the novel, and a <i>lot</i> of puns, which was just akdgjhadsg.

It was also incredibly realistic (yknow, for a fantasy/science fiction homoerotic graphic novel). I mean that prep was done and lube was used, always, and Ken even douched. These things get overlooked so often, so I loved that here they were on full display and not shied away from.

And then there is the art- which is absolutely amazing! All the kudos! The facial expressions were <i>chef's kiss</i> and the sexual scenes were so well done, too. You never had to wonder what was happening because it was unclear.

ALSO A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO THE FACT THAT KENNEDY IS NOT RIPPED. AND THAT KENNEDY CALLS OUT SOMEONE FOR SIZE-SHAMING. AND THAT IT BREAKS THE STEREOTYPICAL LOOKS OF TOPS AND BOTTOMS.

I loved Ken's belly, I have never understood the appeal of six packs and being absolutely ripped. This was just another instance of realism, as most gay erotica only features 'perfect men'.
Also, the biggest guy in the story, was a major bottom, and a 'dick pig'. I love it when stereotypes get shattered, and this book just kept doing it!

Also loved (and laughed at) the nod at tentacle porn- brilliant!

All in all, I would 100% recommend this to you if this is your thing; it's just too good to pass up!

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

~

Cheat(er) Code, by S.A. Foxe, Daz (Illustrations)
★★★★★
144 Pages


WOW!
I mean...wow.

I picked this up because it had a super adorable cover, and I was really intrigued by the concept of the blurb. But what I got was...SO much more!

On page one, we walk right into a sex scene...and by the end of the first few pages, so does poor Kenny, our hero of the story. The first few pages hit like a punch to the gut. Emotional, heart-breaking. We start off a touch confused, because neither of the two men getting it on resemble the guy on the cover. Then in walks Kenny...to find his boyfriend, Seth, right in...ahem...the thick of it.

The artwork, at this point, is stunning. So detailed and incredible. I'm a huge lover of yaoi manga, and this could easily rival their artwork for the depth and characterisation in every little clever detail. From the couple photographs in the background, the cat's reactions, to the sweat, tears and character quirks. Everything is in start, realistic detail. Right down to the variations in every character's physique. There is so much diversity in the characters, from height, weight, *cough* size, and more. SO much thought and attention to detail has gone into making this.

THEN...there's the grief, the heartbreak as Kenny tries to fight for a relationship that died somewhere in his peripheral vision. He's eager and desperate to take Seth back, but Seth isn't. It comes across as though Seth deliberately set himself up to be caught in flagrante, because he just didn't have the guts to admit he wasn't happy in the relationship anymore – what I like to call, the coward's way out.

Sorry...I'm firmly Team Kenny, here, as you can tell.

Watching Kenny try to pull himself together, after Seth's cruel jibes about how he's let himself go, how he doesn't care anymore, about how he's more involved in his video games than their relationship, and even claiming that 30 is too young to be in an “old married couple” relationship. Well, don't worry, Kenny. You deserve better. And you're about to get it. ;)

Because, as he's considering Seth's accusations, he decides to be a little reckless. I worried so much for him when he opened the FUKR app (a nod to GRINDR) and started scouting for a casual fling. But, I have to give HUGE props to the author for making Kenny's characterisation so solid that he specified safe sex, and even douched before his “date” – that, thankfully, fell through. So he turns to his solace of video games. Which is where things get a little...weird. Good weird.

Now, I'm no video gamer. I have no idea about video games beyond what I've read or seen on TV, but the AMAZING, incredible, detailed, STUNNING artwork that appeared as Kenny fell into his video games utterly blew my mind. Each video game had a distinct vision, aesthetic, atmosphere. I could immediately tell if there was some glitch from another game, because it *felt* different on the page. It had a different tone. That is SO HARD to do, in a graphic novel.

I won't lie, the sexy parts were awesome. But they weren't shallow or hot-without-plot. They were real learning moments for Kenny. Parts where he realised that Seth might have ditched him, but he was a good guy, attractive, and he deserved to be happy. He deserved to find someone who appreciated him for who he was.

All throughout the story, Kenny has a cute little paunch, and Seth's claims make it sound like he *used to* go to the gym often and take care of his figure. But it's also suggested that long work hours and lots of gaming gave him a comfort blanket that let his healthy lifestyle slide. Which is so damned realistic it hurts. But it doesn't stop the video game characters – of all shapes and sizes – finding him attractive. Their self-awareness of being video game characters just adds to the dynamic. They *know* Kenny. They know how he's found alongside them, supported them, travelled with them, and created them, for years. That was a little touch I hadn't expected, but actually meant so much.

In the end, he changed not because he wanted to win Seth back, not because he *needed* to change, but because he'd found his happiness in being ALONE. He realised he'd lost interest because he hadn't been happy, and once he let Seth go, it was an epiphany that changed his life for the better. He spent more time with friends, on himself, with the cat. There was no vengeance, no fury and pettiness in letting Seth go. Kenny didn't lash out. He did the brave, smart thing and was the better man who was able to find the strength and courage to let Seth go. To forgive him. To move on into a healthier, happier life without him.

I utterly adored the final few pages – from Dash's wink and thumbs up, to that SO satisfying last page – and I couldn't have asked for a better ending.
And I won't lie, a huge part of me was on Team Dash.

Cheat(er) Code began as a touching, realistic portrayal of one sweet guy's search for self-confidence, and ended up a super cute, funny, remarkably emotional journal of self-acceptance. I wasn't prepared for the emotional attachment, and I appreciated the strong message of safe-sex and acceptance, the self love that evolved through Kenny's journey. The innuendos of the video game characters added humour and fun.
This begins as an X-rated version of Wreck It Ralph and ends in a beautiful story of self-appreciation, reminding you to love yourself for who you are, and don't settle for loving someone who can't do the same.
Come pay-day, I'm buying this in paperback, because this is a solid re-read.

What a funny and sweet book. Who would have thought I would say that about a homoerotic graphic novel?

First of all, the art is great. I mean REALLY great.

The story is a lot of fun and you keep hoping the best for poor Kenny.


The book was made availlable by NetGalley, for a honest review.
#CheaterCode #NetGalley