Genre: Mystery, Romance, Collection
LGBTQ+ Category: MM Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
What do you do if the man you’re building a family with has never been on a date?
Take him out on one, of course.
Except…
Jack never just follows along. He wants to know what put this sudden bee in Gareth’s bonnet. Even when Gareth can’t—or doesn’t want to—explain himself.
Add a bunch of solicitous friends, time apart, a new home, and two teenage boys offering dating advice… and finding the perfect date becomes a bit more than the usual challenge.
Dating Games is a light, low-angst mm romance story. Part of the Power of Zero series, it follows Jack and Gareth’s attempts at creating the perfect date. Dating Games spans the time between the end of Ghosts and Jack and Gareth’s second anniversary.
The Review
Jackie Keswick creates some interesting moments between Jack and Gareth, with Daniel and Nico in tow. Dating has become a big issue in Jack and Gareth’s new household. How can Jack and Gareth find time, not be interrupted, and know what kind of date would interest the other?
The collection of short stories in “Dating Games” intermingle withthe “A Power of Zero Story” series: “Job Hunt”, “Ghosts”, “House Hunt” and “Swings & Roundabouts”. I highly recommend reading the series to see how the “Dating Games” collection fits in.
The “Dating Games” collection treats the reader to more in-depth thoughts and ideas from both Jack and Gareth as their life together progresses. I selected a few of the collection that I really enjoyed – Keswick gives the reader a variety of the situations that come up for Jack and Gareth.
“Under False Pretenses” – When Jack is off on an undercover assignment Gareth shows signs of worry. Aiden Conrad, who picks up on Gareth’s mood, sends Gareth on a very intriguing mystery.
“Taste Like Chicken” – A Jack and Gareth date changes when Nico has the idea to go to Nightscape, a new restaurant, and it becomes an interesting family date.
“Ruffles” – Jack, Gareth, Daniel and Nico are attending a charity masquerade ball. Jack and Gareth find out just how much fun it is to dress up.
“Taking Care of It” – Daniel, Nico and Jack have to decide what to give Gareth for his birthday. As they said, “Gareth is tricky.” Aiden Conrade chimes in and gives them an exciting idea.
“Make It Perfect” – Jack does just that, with a very special birthday gift for Gareth.
“Dating Games” is interesting, heartwarming and sprinkled with a variety of emotions and a perfect addition to “A Power of Zero Story” series. Jackie Keswick continues to bring Jack, Gareth, Daniel and Nico to life, along with Aiden Conrade. Keswick doesn’t disappoint, and there’s more to come soon with another addition to the series: “A Simple Mistake”.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
