Gaming at Randy's

De: Duckie Mack

Narrado por: Sam Stark

They say you should never meet your idols, but when one enthusiastic fan meets his favorite gamer, will sparks fly or will it be game over?

Locke worked hard to become a pro gamer, getting paid to do something he loves. But with the dream comes some unexpected challenges. The demand is overwhelming and it gets lonely.

Adam works in the historical district, where he gets to dress up and entertain tourists. He loves to play games casually as a way to relax and often sets up at Randy’s Diner. The last person Adam expected to walk into the diner was his favorite streamer.

Locke is used to people recognizing him, it comes with the territory, but something about Adam draws him in. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s trans too, or that he’s unabashedly terrible at games and doesn’t care. Whatever it is, Locke finds himself enraptured by him.

Maybe life is better in two-player mode.

Gaming at Randy’s is a low angst MM romance featuring two trans men in a celebrity/fan, opposites attract romance. It is part of the multi-author series, Diner Days.

Love beyond the binary: serving up low angst trans romances at Randy's Diner.

©2024 Duckie Mack (P)2024 Duckie Mack

LOVE 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

Excellent narration by Sam Stark!
I loved this book when I read it, and I loved it as much on audio. Sam did such a great job of bringing two of my favorite characters to life. Adam and Locke are two very different men, but their differences are what makes them work. Though Locke is a famous streamer online, he’s very shy and reserved in real life. While Adam is happy to be in the background online, he’s very outgoing in the real world. Together they are sweet and steamy, and I loved Duckie’s representation of two trans men who have different approaches (Adam chooses not to go the route of HT or surgery, Locke does). I think it’s so important that we recognize that being trans is different for everyone, and there’s no wrong way.
And this had me shouting “suck a duck” plenty 🤣🤣 IYKYK

so much yes!

Sam Stark was made to bring these characters to life! They make both characters very distinct and their own. Adam is adorable as you pictured with an innocence to his voice that just brings you pure joy when listening. Now Locke has a deeper monotone that just works with his more introverted, serious nature. An exceptionally well-done audio! Thank you, Duckie, for introducing me to a new narrator!

I can not begin to explain how much I love this series. The authors have all come together in writing beautifully open trans romances. Each book has characters being their authentic selves no matter the stage they are true to themselves.
Adam & Locke are so dang adorable together that I was squealing with happiness. Adam is a beautiful extrovert who politely put plays video games like me who happened to come upon Locke and, with his help, came to see his truth. Locke is a beautiful introvert when off screen and just sticks true to his true self. When these two enter each other orbits, they don't stand a chance they are each other's person. The chemistry is a great mix of heat and yet still adorable. I honestly don't know how Duckie pulled it off. What a great addition to an already amazing series, with fun cameos from characters we've fallen for in previous stories.

Suck a duck, baby ;)

1st person, past tense, dual POV
Adam Goldman (24), interactive historical performer at the Freedom Trail
Locke (23), video game streamer, Locke_N_Load

Audiobook Narration (5h34m) - Sam Stark - 5 stars
Holy smokes! I adored this story when I initially read it, but Sam's voice acting really elevated it to the next level. They just imbued the characters with personality and depth. Adam and Locke each had their own distinct sound and feel and Sam nailed it.
If I'd listened to narrators like them when I first dipped my toe into listening to audio books I might have become a fan much sooner. I've definitely found a new narrator I'd love to listen to more from.
I was given an Audible code and voluntarily wrote a review (January 2025).

Original Review - September 2024
This absolutely stands alone but a fun Just Duckie Easter Egg is that Adam is Carmen's best friend from Bouquets & Belonging (Carmen was the bride; Derek's sister/Marley's client) and I just have to say she is the best fuckin' friend; exhibit A, this line: "Anyone who spends time with you is bound to fall for you". I loved how little page time they got but how hard you felt their love for one another. Okay, enough fan-girling about Carmen and back to our main couple.

I adored these two; Adam's infectious exuberance paired with Locke's reserved steadfastness is my opposites attract kryptonite combo. The whole streamer/fan angle was so freakin' adorable. I loved their instant connection and the easy natural progression of their relationship. That introverted Locke was so enchanted by Adam that he made the first move, aaaand the second, aaaand quasi third (though that went weirdly wrong), aaaand forth before Adam made his first overture was such perfect build up to a wonderful first date and equal footing relationship. I enjoyed seeing Adam's reticence to reach out, though he desperately wanted to, as he didn't want to appear as an overzealous fan. When they do get together it's all the more satisfying for having danced around each other a bit.

I'm not a gamer or fan of any streamers (and neither am I much of a history buff) but that didn't impact my enjoyment of this book one iota. I have to say I'm a smidge disappointed that we didn't get a little more of Adam excelling as a guide, it would have been a nice counterpoint to Locke's success. The common ground they found together, the easy love and acceptance they shared, and the way they supported one and other was just so lovely. This was a delightful story and that heartfelt epilogue? Grab a tissue. I was not prepared.