Stevie‘s review of Out of Character (True Colors, Book 2) by Annabeth Albert
Contemporary Gay Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 06 Jul 21
I’ve never been big into collectable card games, although a bunch of my friends played Magic: The Gathering back in the 1990s, but I am fascinated by the fictional Odyssey game that Annabeth Albert’s True Colors series revolves around. This time the focus is less on the group that hang around with ‘Gamer Grandpa’, so much as on one member of the group and his other friends. On the one hand, I’d like to see more of the whole main group from the first book, but on the other hand, this new friendship group is all about cosplay, which is an interest that gels with me more.
Jasper works in a gaming store, plays Odyssey as part of the ‘Gamer Grandpa’ group, and also cosplays a popular character from the game to cheer up young fans who are hospitalised due to long-term conditions or chronic illnesses. His sister has a rare immunological condition, which was the reason Jasper had to drop out of the previous book’s road trip partway through, but she is also an enthusiastic cosplayer. When Jasper’s best friend from early childhood drops in on him at the gaming store, wanting a favour, Jasper is at first hostile and suspicious, since Milo later became part of the group of jocks that bullied Jasper after he came out as gay. However, Jasper’s cosplay group is in desperate need of a replacement for one of their characters, and Milo fits the bill perfectly. So the two make a deal: Milo will join the cosplay group, albeit temporarily, and Jasper will help Milo track down the set of ultra-rare Odyssey cards that Milo gambled away before Milo’s big brother – the cards’ actual owner – comes home for a visit.
The obvious plan, buying a new set, is out because the resale price of even one card is way beyond the finances of either hero. Jasper lives in student accommodation and Milo is in a shared house with a bunch of the guys who also bullied Jasper in the past, but worries that he won’t be able to afford anything better. So they hunt down competitions that offer one or other of the cards as a prize. Along the way, the pair learn a lot about themselves and each other, and Milo finds the courage to come out himself, first to Jasper and then to his family and friends. Several characters from the previous book do put in appearances, though not the one I most want to see again, and the new characters of Jasper’s cosplay group are also well developed.
I enjoyed the challenges that the guys took up in their quest and found their relationship believable, although a little too angsty at times. I’d like to read more books set in this world and find out more about the fandoms around the Odyssey game. Obviously, I’d especially like to see Peyton again and find out who they might form a connection with.
Grade: B
Summary:
Jasper Quigley is tired of being everyone’s favorite sidekick. He wants to become the hero of his own life, but that’s not going to happen if he agrees to help out his former best friend turned king of the jocks, Milo Lionetti. High school was miserable enough, thanks, and Jasper has no interest in dredging up painful memories of his old secret crush.
But Milo’s got nowhere else to go. His life is spiraling out of control and he’s looking to turn things back around. Step one? Replace the rare Odyssey cards he lost in an idiotic bet. Step two? Tell his ex-best-friend exactly how he feels—how he’s always felt.
Jasper may be reluctant to reopen old wounds, but he never could resist Milo. There’s a catch, though: if Milo wants his help, he’s going to have to pitch in to make the upcoming children’s hospital charity ball the best ever. But as the two don cosplay for the kids and hunt for rare cards, nostalgia for their lost friendship may turn into something even more lasting…
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