Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Intelligence Check
SERIES: Dungeons and Dating (Book 3)
AUTHOR: Katherine McIntyre
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 325 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 24, 2022
BLURB:
Mason gives people too many chances, Hunter gives too few, but are they willing to take a chance on each other?
Mason’s always tried to believe the best in people, and for the most part, their sunshine attitude pays off. They love their friends, their family, and they’re determined to win over their broody, gorgeous coworker Hunter—especially when their car in the shop turns into carpooling to work together.
Hunter’s only seen the worst in people, and he doesn’t trust easily—not after growing up with a mom who ditched and an addict dad. However, perky, sweet, hot-as-hell Mason seems to win him over with every goofy comment or adorable smile, and before he can stop himself, he’s falling hard.
The more time Mase and Hunter spend together, the more their attraction flares until they’re both holding the hope for something real. However, when Hunter’s past collides with his present, the secret he’s been keeping threatens to destroy everything—the home he established, the friends who’ve become his new family, and any chance of a future with Mason.
Roll the dice on romance at Tabletop Tavern…
REVIEW:
I seem to be on a roll for new and unique books that challenge me and make me think.
Mason has had a rough few years. His twin’s sudden and tragic death rocked his world. He’s now pursuing his grad degree in hopes of helping someone not follow her path. When his car’s transmission conks out he accepts rides with the object of his fantasies…Hunter! But what starts as a fellow employee helping someone out has moved to friends. But could there be more???
This book was unlike any other book I have ever read before. It features one of the main characters that is non-binary. It took me awhile to figure out when the author wrote they or them if she was referring to Mason or the couple of Mason and Hunter at the time. I also had to research when Mason spoke of their sexual needs what they were referring to. “Do you want me to f$&k you?” they asked plainly. Some folks with dysphoria might not be comfortable with doing as much, but they were lucky their parts didn’t tend to bother them. Sometimes they were in the mood to get fucked, sometimes all they really wanted was a prostate orgasm, and other times they loved to drive deep into their partner too.” This line took me completely out of the story and down the Google wormhole for hours researching.
I wanted these two hurt souls to connect so badly but both were very cautious and guarded. The trip to Comic Con was the catalyst to finally open their eyes and discuss both of their wants and needs. I truly despised Seth and felt like he was taking advantage and using Mason. But I did love that Mason brought Hunter’s artistry forward and encouraged him. Something that he had not got in his life. That and love and acceptance.
When I first chose this book I didn’t realize that it was the third book in the series and if I had read the first two books I might have understood the different dynamics of the staff at work. I also had no idea that this was about a gaming establishment. I have absolutely no idea about these board games and how that all transpired so I was lost a bit when those parts came up.
All in all this book finally came together for me and I’m thankful I kept at my journey in it. The end truly justified the means in this book. Was it an easy journey…no! However it was thought provoking and I learned a lot. And it was worth the journey.
RATING: 
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