What starts as a “mistell”, as in a “tell” or statement in a gamer’s chat that has gone to the wrong recipients, hence the “mis” part, quickly evolves into gamer-geek Pete getting to know a newish group member better than he’d thought possible. Full of gaming references and nerdy talk, this story made me laugh and definitely rates as good entertainment for those who like that sort of “slightly outside of reality” feel.

Pete may be a gamer-geek and into art, but he is also a bit of a man-magnet. Not that he has minded so far, even if he hasn’t found any –make that any – men he would be willing to consider for the longer term. But as soon as he starts to get to know Samir better, things begin to change for Pete. He starts to think about what he is doing, and even if he isn’t ready to fall in love, he at least starts to consider there may be a different, less “slutty” way of life for him.

Samir is a business major and the son of immigrants. His background is very different from Pete’s, but somehow they just click. The gaming is something they have in common, but that alone would not be enough for a lasting relationship. Samir is interested in Pete’s art, and finds that Pete begins to be fascinated with Samir’s focus on business. I loved finding out what drives him – when Pete finally takes the step needed to bring them together more closely.

If you like stories about unlikely partners hitting it off, if you enjoy a few obstacles along the way, and if you’re looking for a sweet romance and some hesitant character growth, then you will probably like this short story.


NOTE: The anthology this story was published in has been provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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