Dexterity Check

Dungeons and Dating, Book 5

De: Katherine McIntyre

Narrado por: Benjamen Filipowicz

Eli’s sworn off irresponsible flirts, and Arjun’s one of the worst—aggravating, provoking, and everything Eli can’t resist.

After fifteen years in the military, Eli Reynolds has returned to San Francisco with broken dreams and a broken heart, courtesy of his now ex-boyfriend. He’s determined to avoid anyone like his cheating ex—which means steering clear of Tabletop Tavern’s resident flirt, Arjun Gupta.

Arjun wants a break. Ever since he added his grandmother’s nursing home to his monthly bills, he’s drowning in debt. On top of his job as chef at Tabletop Tavern, he’s been stripping at nights to cover the extra costs. She’s worth every sleepless hour, but he’s desperate for relief—of any sort. Too bad Tabby’s cousin Eli is too high and mighty for a fling.

Eli and Arjun can’t seem to avoid each other, and with each collision they realize more and more that they might have misjudged—especially when all those sparks spill over into something hot and unforgettable. However, when Eli’s folks decide to move across the country, Eli needs to choose: remain in the place that reminds him of his failures or start over fresh—and if Arjun isn’t here for keeps, Eli can’t risk his heart to stay.

Roll the dice on romance at Tabletop Tavern…

©2023 Katherine McIntyre (P)2024 Katherine McIntyre

Such a sweet story with spice

Mr. Filipowitz knocked it out of the park shaping chapters with voices to match the two main characters. The hard, gruff Eli and the sassy, bratty, and lovable Arjun. Beautiful story, stunning performance, and most definitely worth a listen.

4.5 ⭐ 2 🌶️

I really enjoyed this story. Both MMCs were hot, sweet and full of their own insecurities and issues but they fit together perfectly. Lots of tension and drama with minimal angst. I will put a trigger warning on here for anyone caring for a sick or elderly friend or family member.

Narration was great. I think I only had to rewind it once or twice when a character spoke too quietly for me to hear. Lots of variation and character without it being over the top.

Features:
- Frenemies to Lovers
- Secret Relationship
- Bi + Gay Couple
- Found Family
- Depression
- Financial Troubles
- Cheating Ex's
- Queer Community
- Ex Military
- Strippers
- Big Life Changes
- Granny in Assisted Living
- Career Struggles
- Dogs that Don't Die
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- 10 Year Age Gap

favorite of the series

A Joyfully Jay review

Audio: 4.25⭐️

The story starts with an enemy(ish) to lovers setup as Arjun reminds Eli of his superficial, cheating ex and Arjun loves to aggravate the seemingly uptight Eli because he’s not a fan of being judged for enjoying one-and-dones. McIntyre does a good job threading the needle between Eli being a censorious prick and Arjun being an annoyance, as it’s easy to understand the hang-ups and hurts underneath each man’s actions. There’s a lot of banter and sass, but also a lot of heart and difficult emotional journeys.

Arjun learned he’s not worth sticking around for and getting close to people only leads to heartbreak. He’s perfected using his natural charm and easygoing nature as a shield to keep people from getting to know him and lives his life with no emotional entanglements or support except for his Nani. For Eli, trying to find his place in the world is lonely and demoralizing. Eli has had several setbacks that left him in a dark place and struggling with depression. Enlisting was once a lifeline, but between his career stalling out and losing the future he envisioned, he’s convinced all his choices are wrong and is paralyzed by indecision.

Seeing them open up and be vulnerable with one another is lovely, especially as it is not easy for them. Their personal journeys and shared struggle with self-worth are compelling and relatable. As always, the Tabletop crew are loving, supportive, generous, and make me jealous of having such a solid friend group. Nani is also hilarious and tries to steal the show (and Eli) in every scene she’s in.

Benjamen Filipowicz gives a great performance. His voices for the MCs are a good fit, especially Arjun's. He conveys Arjun and Eli's great chemistry, emotion, and nuance well, and he brings Nani's irreverent verve to life. I will say that there is less differentiation for some of the secondary characters, but the acting for them is still good.

Another great addition to the series

Benjamen Filipowicz did a great job with these characters! He is a new to me narrator and I really enjoyed listening to him. One of the few narrators I didn’t feel like I needed to speed up for them to sound natural!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of found family. True to the Tabletop Tavern community these guys find out they are wholly loved and supported. The pacing of this story was really well done. No extreme filler, no speeding past most important things. Growing, living & loving.

Great audio

Benjamin Flipowcz is a new to me narrarator and can happily say looking forward to more of their future work. They did well in bringing the snarky sweetness of Arjun to life. Along with the steadfast seriousness of Eli in a completely different way.

The Dungeons & Dating series has a great group of tabletop queer gamers find their family. Arjun had always been apart yet separate from the group hiding all the burdens he's facing from his friends. Eli only sees him as he presents himself until he catches glimpses of the real Arjun. These two have a great bantering relationship that comes to life when they let each other in. A great addition to the series.