This was my first erotic graphic novel and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed watching Ken develop and come to terms with himself and his situation. All of the characters were well formed, and the story kept me engaged from beginning to end. The artwork is fantastic, and I appreciate all of the attention put into this novel from the facial expressions to Ken’s belly. I will definitely be recommending this.

Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 Stars ( I received an e-arc from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review)

This was an interesting graphic novel with a cute art style following Seth who walks in to find his boyfriend cheating on him and then gets dumped. Some how he ends up in a video game universe, which ends up taking him through different video game worlds while trying to find his way back to his universe. Just to remind everyone this is an erotica graphic novel and there are quite a lot of sex scenes between males. I don’t have a problem with it but if anyone is uncomfortable with that situation please don’t read and/or leave rude comments.

As a reader of slight erotica (mostly japanese mangas) and as a gamer myself, I was intreguied to find out how this could be made into a storyline, However I was pleasantly surprised. Im not going to lie, it was incredibly graphic (but in a drawing style I personally like) but it did have a sweet meaning behind the story. As a gamer, I can understand how the main character could make "friends" with his characters online and through them (and expressing himself), can discover that he didnt need his cheating partner to feel good. He learned to love himself. It was a rather dirty way of going about it, but fun! Definatly one for Adults!

Amid the steamy scenes we get a meaningful story of discovering ones self-worth and finding happiness after heartbreak. The character development was fantastic. I totally related to the part about using your hobbies to escape everyday life. I also understood the struggle of not becoming complacent in a long term relationship. The art style was totally up my alley and the whole video game element was a lot of fun. Being a gamer myself I liked how we got to visit different game worlds. Even though the male/male intimate scenes were really for me I love reading queer comics

Links will be posted soon

Cheater code is a fun little romp featuring an emotive 'gaymer' and his adventures in the games he's played. The story is about growth and moving on, all taught to our protagonists through heroes of various games. Yes, it is graphic - but not in a way intended to be salacious or over-the-top. It's just an adventure that features sex, using characters who help our lead learn to appreciate himself and what he brings to a relationship.

Story: Kennedy walks in on his boyfriend enjoying another man and is promptly told that his relationship is over. Feeling abandoned and not sharing his now ex-boyfriend's view on their relationship, Ken falls into a slump. Until a lightning bolt on his console throws him into his favorite games. As he travels the different genres, he learns to grow beyond the needy person and instead to find his own strengths from some very self aware characters. But can he find a glitch to send him back to the real world?

Yes, this does read very much like a Marty Stu. Ken is paunchy, whiny, and clearly let things go while in the relationship. But the story has enough pathos and Ken is a likable enough hero that you don't mind tagging along with him through the various games. From an older "Last of Us" father-figure to a cheetah as a thinly disguised Crash Bandicoot, it's all in good fun but with a lot of conversations and sex along the way. Being a gamer (read: Console) helps to understand the genres - from Orcs and NPCs in a WoW setting, a Bioware type of Mass Effect self made hero that is just a projection of Ken's desired self image, to a Final Fantasyesque very phallic 'big sword' villain that not coincidentally looks a lot like Ken's ex. Inside jokes about the industry abound. But playing console games really isn't needed to enjoy the journey.

The artwork is very clean and the story easy to follow. The illustrations are broadly cartoony and so fit the light mood of the story. You'll also get a more indepth view of male anatomy than you are probably used to in a graphic novel. But I wouldn't let that put you off enjoying the story. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.
What it's about:
After Kennedy finds his boyfriend cheating on him, he turns tries to distract himself and finds himself transported into the realm of videogames.

This wonderfully bizarre and explicit (it literally starts off very explicit) graphic novel turned out so much better than I thought it would be! I expected it to be mainly just sexual nut throughout the graphic novel, it is about friendship and accepting not only oneself but the hand that is dealt with in life.

Pros:
Despite it having many video game characters, it is so wonderfully human showing how one goes through the situation of finding someone they loved, cheating on them
The art is wonderful and the colours are vibrant which really works with what is going on
Each character has their own individual look and personality so none of them is confused with each other
Cons:
Perhaps maybe more of the original relationship so that viewers can sympathize more with Kennedy, however, this is not a game-changer
Rating
4⭐

Would I read it again:
Definitely

Would I recommend it:
Yes, especially to the LGBT+ community

https://www.dannisbookreviews.com/

I don’t really read many graphic novels and I’ve never read one like this but it was cute and sweet and enjoyable with nice illustrations.

<i>arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review</i>

So, this I had zero idea what it was about beyond what looked to be a gaming sort of thing mixed in with some erotica.

I was pleasantly surprised by this. I had a blast reading it and had it done in one sitting! I loved that this was hilarious with all of the dirty puns mixed in with some smut and action scenes with an added flair of excellent character development.

I loved how sex positive this was. Not just in the amount of it but how the characters interacted, the consent and being shown things like Prep and douching. It’s something you don’t see a lot of despite the fact that it is something many people need and have to do.

The character development was also such a joy to see. We start off the story with Ken catching his boyfriend of six years cheating on him and he comes to find out that he’s not in love with him anymore either. So, now Ken needs to navigate life without his ex and figure out how to deal with his own feelings about everything. The way his favourite game characters to the way he, himself learned how to deal with it all was really touching and I think a lot of people could relate to it (minus the orc sex, or maybe with orc sex who knows).

This was a queer, smutty, hilariously fun read and I would definitely read more by these creators in the future!

4/5 ⭐️

TW: cheating, nudity/sex.

~ESPAÑOL/INGLÉS~

•INGLÉS•
The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (Thanks again!).

Kennedy and Seth have been a couple for six years and Kennedy thinks that everything is still good between them but he is wrong. They've had some trouble but it's not until Kennedy discovers Seth cheating on him with another at his home that he realizes it's all over.
Shattered and heartbroken, Kennedy looks for ways to overcome him and prove that he can move on, but that night he is distracted by his video games and a huge energy overload transports him inside multiple video games, where he will be seduced by various characters, he will have many encounters sexual and will fight to return home and overcome their love break.

Cheather Code is an erotic graphic novel that will keep you attentive to Kennedy's adventures. It has some beautiful drawings and the author's imagination turns your head, starting because Kennedy knows many fictional characters that in one way or another surprise and captivate you and him.

The drawings are exceptional, I adored them, especially the colors they used, and I was able to empathize a lot with Kennedy, especially with the break up. And while the novel has lots of funny parts, there are also times when you can't help but feel sad for the character and wish everything would work out for him.
The author also mentions some topics in a subtle way such as depression or hurting oneself, something that really seemed very useful to me to know Kennedy.

In addition, there are many ridiculously charming and funny situations that will make you laugh out loud. And Kennedy's adventure, although funny and full of sexual moments, also leads you to love the characters and his final message is completely adorable, true and incredible. I seriously loved this graphic novel ~.

Of course, we must be clear that it is an EROTIC novel with VERY EXPLICIT scenes. If you are not comfortable with that type of content, you better not read it. Instead, if you enjoy it or it doesn't bother you, welcome to Kennedy's adventure ~.

•ESPAÑOL•

El ARC de esta novela fue proporcionado por la editorial a través de NetGalley a cambio de una reseña honesta (Gracias otra vez!).

Kennedy y Seth han sido pareja desde hace seis años y Kennedy piensa que todo sigue estando bien entre ellos pero se equivoca. Han tenido algunos problemas pero no es hasta que Kennedy descubre a Seth engañándolo con otro en su casa que se da cuenta de todo se ha terminado.
Destrozado y con el corazón roto, Kennedy busca formas de superarlo y probarse que puede seguir adelante, pero esa noche se distrae con sus videojuegos y una enorme sobrecarga de energía lo transporta adentro de multiples videojuegos, donde será seducido por varios personajes, tendrá muchos encuentros sexuales y luchará por volver a casa y superar su ruptura amorosa.

Cheather Code es una novela gráfica erótica que te mantendrá atenta a las aventuras de Kennedy. Tiene unos dibujos preciosos y la imaginación del autor te vuelva la cabeza, empezando porque el personaje principal conoce a muchos personajes ficticios que de una u otra forma sorprenden y cautivan a Kennedy.

Los dibujos son excepcionales, los adoré, especialmente los colores que usaron, y pude empatizar muchísimo con Kennedy~. A todos alguna vez nos han roto el corazón, y aunque la novela tiene muchas partes graciosas, también hay momentos donde no puedes evitar sentirte triste por el personaje y desear que todo salga bien con él.
El autor, además, menciona algunos temas de forma sutil como la depresión o lastimarse a uno mismo, algo que realmente me pareció muy útil para conocer al personaje de Kennedy.

Además, hay muchas situaciones ridículamente encantadoras y chistosas que te van a sacar una que otra carcajada. Y el viaje que hace Kennedy, aunque gracioso y lleno de momentos sexuales, también te lleva a querer a los personajes y su mensaje final es completamente adorable, cierto e increíble. En serio amé esta novela gráfica~.

Eso sí, hay que tener en claro que es una novela ERÓTICA con escenas MUY EXPLÍCITAS. Si no se sienten cómodos con ese tipo de contenido, mejor no lo lean. En cambio, si lo disfrutan o no les molesta, sean bienvenidos a la aventura de Kennedy~.

VERY explicit story about a guy who gets stuck in various video games whilst trying to get over his cheating ex. It's bright and colourful, full of humour, and thoroughly entertaining. If you don't like seeing explicit sex scenes in your graphic novels then you might not want to pick this one up...but if you that doesn't bother you (or it's exactly what you're after!) then this is a great choice!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

Kennedy and Seth have been together for six years, but their relationship is going through a rough path and when Kennedy discovers Seth is cheating on him is destroyed, While Kennedy is trying to distract himself with his beloved videogames, a power surge hits and he's transported inside the videogames library. There he will be seduced, he will have a threesome with barbarians, he will have a crush on an idealized version of himself and an anthropomorphic cheetah, while trying to get back to his own world and battling his own heartbreak, disappointments and hurts.

Cheter Code is an erotic graphic novel and it's really well done. I loved the story and the drawings and the way the author deals with the main character's feelings. Kennedy feels lost and disappointed and the various sexy encounters, the whole game to get back to his reality is a way to process his own feelings about Seth, himself and his future. Through sex, adventures, fights and a lots of sexy innuendo, Kenney rediscovers his confidence and fights for himself and his right to move on and be happy again.

I liked the art, the story and the innuendo. Really funny, heartwarming and cute.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars This was so much fun I'm so glad i got to read it early. Cheater Code is a very explicit graphic novel about Ken who ends up stuck in the worlds of his favorite video games where he meets some pretty sexy characters. This was described as an erotic graphic novel and i would say that it definitely delivers on this front this is full of steamy gay sex scenes but it is also a really sweet story about someone going through heartbreak and regaining their confidence.
Cheater Code is a great graphic novel with a fun plot and some interesting characters, I highly recommend it if you want to have a good time reading about a cute guy getting over his ex-cheating boyfriend by fucking some video game characters.
Also sidenote i didn't realise at first but this is illustrated by the same guy ( Daz ) who made the webcomic Tobias and Guy for those who know.

tags: graphic novel, gay smut, like really explicit sex scenes, pretty realistic sex with talk of protection and preparation, sweet and sexy at the same time
content warning: cheating, end of a long-term relationship

A homoerotic graphic novel, perfect for gaymer and those of us who used your games consoles to console our heartbreak.

Ok, I apologise for my bad pun, but this was a fun read where I was smiling all the way through, with a positive look at safe gay sex, using toys and lube and, once you get pass the sex (so much sex!), you see the sweetness over the main character trying to come to terms and get over his heartbreak.

This was a wild ride.

I knew what I was getting into. It said homoerotic, and I expected the sex scenes, but it was still a shock when the first page opened up to a sex scene. So let me reiterate. THIS IS NOT FOR KIDS!!!

This graphic novel follows Kennedy, who is going through a bad break up after catching his boyfriend cheating on him, and he’s not taking it very well. Trying to make himself feel better, he accidentally ends up in his games, and having sex with every character he comes across.

I wasn’t expecting much, but I had fun reading this, not because of the smut, but because of how funny it was. The situation is so ridiculous, but Kennedy goes along with it, and has sexy adventures beyond his wildest dreams. I love the art. The character designs are great, and I loved Kennedy’s pudgy belly. It made it more realistic, and I was not expecting an actual character arc. Kennedy’s break up and growing acceptance was sweet to unfold, once you’re not distracted by the sex scenes. I found myself cheering him on, it’s clear his sexual shenanigans is his therapeutic way of processing his grief at the loss of his relationship.

Don’t let the erotic tag put you off (or on *wink wink). This is a funny and sexy read that can touch your heart, and make you giggle.

I often find that erotic comics / graphic novels are very unrealistic in the way they portray its characters, but I didn't really feel like this was the case here! With appearances of ways of protection against HIV, lots of lube, sex toys, and deep emotional issues it is very realistic! Sure, the story is about a guy that is transported into his video games and has sex with the characters, but the other aspects are so realistic that I just loved it! Also, creds for not creating a very toxic mindset and portrayal of sex and lust!

Before I begin the review I just want to reiterate that this is not a book for kids.

This was a great graphic erotic novel. Kennedy catches his boyfriend cheating on him. He tries to play away his sadness. But, This gets him sucked into several video games where he meets several interesting characters. They have quite the steamy encounters. This had a great storyline, characters and illustrations.

After a nasty breakup, Kennedy just wants to jerk off and play video games to forget, but after a freak lightning storm, he’s transported into his favourite video games with a very sexy twist. Honestly this book was hilarious and sexy as hell. I loved it. I enjoyed the references to characters i know, without saying them outright. Really fun read!

An erotic comic with a sweet message. This was my first foray into this genre, and I found the premise intriguing and the art adorable. Appropriate for folks who enjoyed Saga.

<i>A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!</i>

I have to be honest here. I was naive when I requested this graphic novel. It said it was homoerotic, but I did not expect it to be <i>this</i> homoerotic, haha! I figured, I love graphic novels, I love (homo)erotica (I mean I read so much fanfiction), this is right up my alley!

Then the first page was a blowjob, with some rimming, and anal sex.

I immediately realized I had grossly miscalculated the amount of erotica, but was 100% here for it! I had a good chuckle at myself; who knew that I could still be taken by surprise, hahah!

Cheat(er) Code was so good, though! There is some actual character development; I am so proud of Ken! Also, Seth can fucking choke. The ending was just the best and I couldn't stop grinning. There is also plenty of humor throughout the novel, and a <i>lot</i> of puns, which was just akdgjhadsg.

It was also incredibly realistic (yknow, for a fantasy/science fiction homoerotic graphic novel). I mean that prep was done and lube was used, always, and Ken even douched. These things get overlooked so often, so I loved that here they were on full display and not shied away from.

And then there is the art- which is absolutely amazing! All the kudos! The facial expressions were <i>chef's kiss</i> and the sexual scenes were so well done, too. You never had to wonder what was happening because it was unclear.

ALSO A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO THE FACT THAT KENNEDY IS NOT RIPPED. AND THAT KENNEDY CALLS OUT SOMEONE FOR SIZE-SHAMING. AND THAT IT BREAKS THE STEREOTYPICAL LOOKS OF TOPS AND BOTTOMS.

I loved Ken's belly, I have never understood the appeal of six packs and being absolutely ripped. This was just another instance of realism, as most gay erotica only features 'perfect men'.
Also, the biggest guy in the story, was a major bottom, and a 'dick pig'. I love it when stereotypes get shattered, and this book just kept doing it!

Also loved (and laughed at) the nod at tentacle porn- brilliant!

All in all, I would 100% recommend this to you if this is your thing; it's just too good to pass up!

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

~

Cheat(er) Code, by S.A. Foxe, Daz (Illustrations)
★★★★★
144 Pages


WOW!
I mean...wow.

I picked this up because it had a super adorable cover, and I was really intrigued by the concept of the blurb. But what I got was...SO much more!

On page one, we walk right into a sex scene...and by the end of the first few pages, so does poor Kenny, our hero of the story. The first few pages hit like a punch to the gut. Emotional, heart-breaking. We start off a touch confused, because neither of the two men getting it on resemble the guy on the cover. Then in walks Kenny...to find his boyfriend, Seth, right in...ahem...the thick of it.

The artwork, at this point, is stunning. So detailed and incredible. I'm a huge lover of yaoi manga, and this could easily rival their artwork for the depth and characterisation in every little clever detail. From the couple photographs in the background, the cat's reactions, to the sweat, tears and character quirks. Everything is in start, realistic detail. Right down to the variations in every character's physique. There is so much diversity in the characters, from height, weight, *cough* size, and more. SO much thought and attention to detail has gone into making this.

THEN...there's the grief, the heartbreak as Kenny tries to fight for a relationship that died somewhere in his peripheral vision. He's eager and desperate to take Seth back, but Seth isn't. It comes across as though Seth deliberately set himself up to be caught in flagrante, because he just didn't have the guts to admit he wasn't happy in the relationship anymore – what I like to call, the coward's way out.

Sorry...I'm firmly Team Kenny, here, as you can tell.

Watching Kenny try to pull himself together, after Seth's cruel jibes about how he's let himself go, how he doesn't care anymore, about how he's more involved in his video games than their relationship, and even claiming that 30 is too young to be in an “old married couple” relationship. Well, don't worry, Kenny. You deserve better. And you're about to get it. ;)

Because, as he's considering Seth's accusations, he decides to be a little reckless. I worried so much for him when he opened the FUKR app (a nod to GRINDR) and started scouting for a casual fling. But, I have to give HUGE props to the author for making Kenny's characterisation so solid that he specified safe sex, and even douched before his “date” – that, thankfully, fell through. So he turns to his solace of video games. Which is where things get a little...weird. Good weird.

Now, I'm no video gamer. I have no idea about video games beyond what I've read or seen on TV, but the AMAZING, incredible, detailed, STUNNING artwork that appeared as Kenny fell into his video games utterly blew my mind. Each video game had a distinct vision, aesthetic, atmosphere. I could immediately tell if there was some glitch from another game, because it *felt* different on the page. It had a different tone. That is SO HARD to do, in a graphic novel.

I won't lie, the sexy parts were awesome. But they weren't shallow or hot-without-plot. They were real learning moments for Kenny. Parts where he realised that Seth might have ditched him, but he was a good guy, attractive, and he deserved to be happy. He deserved to find someone who appreciated him for who he was.

All throughout the story, Kenny has a cute little paunch, and Seth's claims make it sound like he *used to* go to the gym often and take care of his figure. But it's also suggested that long work hours and lots of gaming gave him a comfort blanket that let his healthy lifestyle slide. Which is so damned realistic it hurts. But it doesn't stop the video game characters – of all shapes and sizes – finding him attractive. Their self-awareness of being video game characters just adds to the dynamic. They *know* Kenny. They know how he's found alongside them, supported them, travelled with them, and created them, for years. That was a little touch I hadn't expected, but actually meant so much.

In the end, he changed not because he wanted to win Seth back, not because he *needed* to change, but because he'd found his happiness in being ALONE. He realised he'd lost interest because he hadn't been happy, and once he let Seth go, it was an epiphany that changed his life for the better. He spent more time with friends, on himself, with the cat. There was no vengeance, no fury and pettiness in letting Seth go. Kenny didn't lash out. He did the brave, smart thing and was the better man who was able to find the strength and courage to let Seth go. To forgive him. To move on into a healthier, happier life without him.

I utterly adored the final few pages – from Dash's wink and thumbs up, to that SO satisfying last page – and I couldn't have asked for a better ending.
And I won't lie, a huge part of me was on Team Dash.

Cheat(er) Code began as a touching, realistic portrayal of one sweet guy's search for self-confidence, and ended up a super cute, funny, remarkably emotional journal of self-acceptance. I wasn't prepared for the emotional attachment, and I appreciated the strong message of safe-sex and acceptance, the self love that evolved through Kenny's journey. The innuendos of the video game characters added humour and fun.
This begins as an X-rated version of Wreck It Ralph and ends in a beautiful story of self-appreciation, reminding you to love yourself for who you are, and don't settle for loving someone who can't do the same.
Come pay-day, I'm buying this in paperback, because this is a solid re-read.