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Let's Get Quizzical
For fans of Lyssa Kay Adams and Jen DeLuca comes this fresh, funny take on second chances that proves love is anything but trivial.
For family-focused Charlotte, the chance to compete on her favorite trivia game show is a dream come true—the prize money could ensure the best care for her aging grandmother. But when she arrives on set, who does she see among the other contestants? Eli, her high school first love, at least until their shattering breakup. He has his own reasons for competing, not least of which is the stress of multiple jobs, college courses, and a father who has had multiple run-ins with the law.
When the casting department pairs them on a team, both Charlotte and Eli are determined to grit their teeth and make the best of it. That’s easier said than done, of course, and before long a national audience is breathlessly watching them bicker and air years-old grudges. Far from being angry, the program’s producers are ecstatic—the ratings are positively soaring.
As they compete together over several episodes of the show, Charlotte and Eli begin to suspect that old wounds might actually heal. Touring L.A. in their free time has given them the opportunity to get to know each other again—and reawakened feelings that are hard to resist. Until the show’s producers throw a wrench in their hopeful plans that will compromise everything Charlotte and Eli have worked so hard for.
Kelly Ohlert’s warm, witty second novel proves that the best thing to know is always your own heart.
For family-focused Charlotte, the chance to compete on her favorite trivia game show is a dream come true—the prize money could ensure the best care for her aging grandmother. But when she arrives on set, who does she see among the other contestants? Eli, her high school first love, at least until their shattering breakup. He has his own reasons for competing, not least of which is the stress of multiple jobs, college courses, and a father who has had multiple run-ins with the law.
When the casting department pairs them on a team, both Charlotte and Eli are determined to grit their teeth and make the best of it. That’s easier said than done, of course, and before long a national audience is breathlessly watching them bicker and air years-old grudges. Far from being angry, the program’s producers are ecstatic—the ratings are positively soaring.
As they compete together over several episodes of the show, Charlotte and Eli begin to suspect that old wounds might actually heal. Touring L.A. in their free time has given them the opportunity to get to know each other again—and reawakened feelings that are hard to resist. Until the show’s producers throw a wrench in their hopeful plans that will compromise everything Charlotte and Eli have worked so hard for.
Kelly Ohlert’s warm, witty second novel proves that the best thing to know is always your own heart.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2023
24 people are currently reading
1275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
January 12, 2024
not bad enough to be offensive but boring enough to be considered a waste of time
shallow plot and one-dimensional characters, down to the cartoonishly evil antagonist
in no world can i believe the female lead is a 30 year old woman when her thought processes are so incredibly juvenile i’d imagine a 3rd grader would have more empathy and complex world views
male lead is staler than a month old baguette and has no personality outside of being in love with this girl he dated for five seconds, THIRTEEN YEARS AGO, when he was 17…
pls book angels send me a good romance to read next so i can believe in love again
shallow plot and one-dimensional characters, down to the cartoonishly evil antagonist
in no world can i believe the female lead is a 30 year old woman when her thought processes are so incredibly juvenile i’d imagine a 3rd grader would have more empathy and complex world views
male lead is staler than a month old baguette and has no personality outside of being in love with this girl he dated for five seconds, THIRTEEN YEARS AGO, when he was 17…
pls book angels send me a good romance to read next so i can believe in love again
August 19, 2023
Finished reading: August 19th 2023
"Life is rarely easy. You just have to figure out a path to walk on that makes you happy."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
November 8, 2023
This was a funny, heartfelt, dual POV, second chance romance that sees former high school sweethearts paired up on a reality tv Quiz show game. The stakes are high for both Charlotte and Eli who need to win the money for their families as they battle it out to see how long they can stay on the show.
With lots of forced proximity goodness, the sparks fly and Charlotte has to consider if she can forgive Eli for the past and build a future together in the present. But to make things even more tricky, she discovers the show she's grown up loving has a dark side that will have her questioning just how badly she wants the money.
Great on audio and recommended for fans of the two upcoming game show romcoms, What is love by Jen Comfort and The fake dating game by Tim Janovsky. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and Hoopla for access to the audiobook. This is by far my new favorite by the author!
Steam level: open door with a few spicy scenes
With lots of forced proximity goodness, the sparks fly and Charlotte has to consider if she can forgive Eli for the past and build a future together in the present. But to make things even more tricky, she discovers the show she's grown up loving has a dark side that will have her questioning just how badly she wants the money.
Great on audio and recommended for fans of the two upcoming game show romcoms, What is love by Jen Comfort and The fake dating game by Tim Janovsky. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and Hoopla for access to the audiobook. This is by far my new favorite by the author!
Steam level: open door with a few spicy scenes
March 13, 2023
Between the pithy title, cute cover, and intriguing premise, I was looking forward to this romance set against the backdrop of a trivia game show. But the story never quite lived up to its potential, and I found myself distracted by the characters' depressing personal lives.
Eli and Charlotte dated in high school. It was brief but intense. They haven't spoken to each other since then, and are each gobsmacked to be paired with the other after a blind pairing round at the quiz game they've both been invited to compete on. Eli needs the money: his house is falling apart and his dad is trying desperately to stay out of jail. Charlotte needs the money: her beloved Gran suffers from a costly mystery ailment. Can these two get over their past to win the show?
SPOILERS BELOW:
Despite the sophisticated premise, this story felt very juvenile. A 30 year old man who has by all appearances had a challenging life probably wouldn't still be pining over a girl he briefly dated in high school. Eli is all-in on getting a second chance with Charlotte. She is less sure. I wanted Charlotte to have more self-respect than to get back together/hook up with Eli.
Each of the character's back stories are so depressing. It definitely gives them each motivation to win at nearly any cost, but it was just... grim. Eli: Mom walked out when he was a kid; Dad in and out of jail; he's still working on his degree at age 30; stressed about money constantly. Charlotte: hangs out mostly with her mom, dad, and Gran, does she have any friends? Has barely dated much. Is incredibly rigid when it comes to her morals. It is over the top and grating when it comes to her obsession with telling the truth.
We never found out if they got the money they so desperately needed! The main motivator for all of the effort and we don't get a mention of it in the end.
I felt the storyline about Charlotte's absent grandfather showing up just as she's getting on the show could have added an interesting layer of intrigue. BUT, it's just something that sets in motion a lot of self-examination about Charlotte's approach to the absolute truth. I appreciated that her Gran came around and admitted she was wrong with her absolute views on truth-telling, but it was lame that Charlotte only came to this realization *after* talking to her Gran. I wanted her to figure it out on her own. I also wanted to hear from Charlotte's mom about her father coming back into the picture ??? Again - so many interesting things COULD have happened but didn't.
Eli and Charlotte dated in high school. It was brief but intense. They haven't spoken to each other since then, and are each gobsmacked to be paired with the other after a blind pairing round at the quiz game they've both been invited to compete on. Eli needs the money: his house is falling apart and his dad is trying desperately to stay out of jail. Charlotte needs the money: her beloved Gran suffers from a costly mystery ailment. Can these two get over their past to win the show?
SPOILERS BELOW:
Despite the sophisticated premise, this story felt very juvenile. A 30 year old man who has by all appearances had a challenging life probably wouldn't still be pining over a girl he briefly dated in high school. Eli is all-in on getting a second chance with Charlotte. She is less sure. I wanted Charlotte to have more self-respect than to get back together/hook up with Eli.
Each of the character's back stories are so depressing. It definitely gives them each motivation to win at nearly any cost, but it was just... grim. Eli: Mom walked out when he was a kid; Dad in and out of jail; he's still working on his degree at age 30; stressed about money constantly. Charlotte: hangs out mostly with her mom, dad, and Gran, does she have any friends? Has barely dated much. Is incredibly rigid when it comes to her morals. It is over the top and grating when it comes to her obsession with telling the truth.
We never found out if they got the money they so desperately needed! The main motivator for all of the effort and we don't get a mention of it in the end.
I felt the storyline about Charlotte's absent grandfather showing up just as she's getting on the show could have added an interesting layer of intrigue. BUT, it's just something that sets in motion a lot of self-examination about Charlotte's approach to the absolute truth. I appreciated that her Gran came around and admitted she was wrong with her absolute views on truth-telling, but it was lame that Charlotte only came to this realization *after* talking to her Gran. I wanted her to figure it out on her own. I also wanted to hear from Charlotte's mom about her father coming back into the picture ??? Again - so many interesting things COULD have happened but didn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2023
Wow! I greatly enjoyed this book!
I absolutely loved the setting in 'Let's get Quizzical'. The romance at the game show is a concept that I've never seen before, which made it very innovative and interesting.
Kelly Ohlert also succeeded in portraying insecurities in relationships without it being annoying. Most of the romance books I read rely too heavily upon miscommunication and difficulties in relationships, which I think is very annoying, but this book had just the right amount.
The spark between the main characters is also TO DIE FOR. They were so cute together, and I loved the scenes in the shower and during the shows.
The only thing that I missed in this book was a bit more scenes in the game show. There was a lot of potential there.
Overall, I think this was a great read, and I would recommend it to everyone!
Thank you, netgalley, for giving me this ARC book in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved the setting in 'Let's get Quizzical'. The romance at the game show is a concept that I've never seen before, which made it very innovative and interesting.
Kelly Ohlert also succeeded in portraying insecurities in relationships without it being annoying. Most of the romance books I read rely too heavily upon miscommunication and difficulties in relationships, which I think is very annoying, but this book had just the right amount.
The spark between the main characters is also TO DIE FOR. They were so cute together, and I loved the scenes in the shower and during the shows.
The only thing that I missed in this book was a bit more scenes in the game show. There was a lot of potential there.
Overall, I think this was a great read, and I would recommend it to everyone!
Thank you, netgalley, for giving me this ARC book in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions are my own.
September 29, 2022
I just loved this story. It blends charming characters who start out against each other, but they must learn to work together if they are going to win the game. It heats up along the way as their feelings turn romantic but then there is an exciting twist with the game show. Sprinkled throughout the book you get a bonus of trivia from the gameshow questions and Charlotte’s inner monologue.
August 21, 2023
Charlotte and her family are longtime game show lovers so when she finds out she’s been selected to be on her favorite trivia fame show, it’s a dream come true. Not only because of her love for the show, but also because her family could really use the money to help cover her grandmother’s medical bills. Unfortunately, she soon discovers that her high school boyfriend who broke her heart is going to be a contestant as well as he needs the money to help bail him and his father out of debt. With the stakes being so high, they decide to put the past behind them and work together so they can win the money. But there are a few kinks going to be thrown in their plan. Can they get through them and come out on top?
I didn’t love this one but it wasn’t bad. My main issue with it was that it wrapped up too quickly leaving several questions unanswered.
It’s just your average story. Fine but nothing super memorable about this for me.
Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
I didn’t love this one but it wasn’t bad. My main issue with it was that it wrapped up too quickly leaving several questions unanswered.
It’s just your average story. Fine but nothing super memorable about this for me.
Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
March 19, 2024
High school exes run into each other 13 years later on a game show
The FMC and MMC have to compete as a team on a trivia game show while filled with unresolved resentment from their unfortunate breakup in high school.
This romance novel contains several popular tropes: enemies to lovers, reunion romance, and forced proximity. Unfortunately, though the premise is intriguing, the execution of this story didn't hold my attention.
I obtained access to the audiobook version of this novel for free through Hoopla. There are two narrators and they do a decent job.
The FMC and MMC have to compete as a team on a trivia game show while filled with unresolved resentment from their unfortunate breakup in high school.
This romance novel contains several popular tropes: enemies to lovers, reunion romance, and forced proximity. Unfortunately, though the premise is intriguing, the execution of this story didn't hold my attention.
I obtained access to the audiobook version of this novel for free through Hoopla. There are two narrators and they do a decent job.
August 14, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
Let's Get Quizzical had a fairly unique storyline around our main character Charlotte who has a long-standing goal of wanting to be on a game show. When she finally gets that chance, she sees her first-love Eli on the set too! Their break-up wasn't on great terms, so when they are paired up as a team, they aren't exactly ecstatic. They spend their time bickering on-air, which the tv show producers are happy with, because hello good ratings!
As the game show continues on, they both realize that maybe their old feelings are coming back... and maybe, just maybe, they can let go of the hurt and try again.
This was a sweet story with an unique game-show concept. I did enjoy the writing style, and just may check out another book by the author.
Let's Get Quizzical had a fairly unique storyline around our main character Charlotte who has a long-standing goal of wanting to be on a game show. When she finally gets that chance, she sees her first-love Eli on the set too! Their break-up wasn't on great terms, so when they are paired up as a team, they aren't exactly ecstatic. They spend their time bickering on-air, which the tv show producers are happy with, because hello good ratings!
As the game show continues on, they both realize that maybe their old feelings are coming back... and maybe, just maybe, they can let go of the hurt and try again.
This was a sweet story with an unique game-show concept. I did enjoy the writing style, and just may check out another book by the author.
August 14, 2023
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This a perfect read for second chance romance lovers and of course quiz game lovers. The book follows Charlotte an intelligent woman who puts family first who gets an opportunity of a life time to be on her favorite trivia game show. It's a dream come true as she wants the prize money desperately. Her optimism is broken when she sees one of her contestants is Eli her high school sweetheart who broke her heart. They both have a reason for why they need the money. It's a refreshing take on second chance romance and absolutely a delight to read. Enjoyed it so much. I look forward to more Kelly Ohlert books
This a perfect read for second chance romance lovers and of course quiz game lovers. The book follows Charlotte an intelligent woman who puts family first who gets an opportunity of a life time to be on her favorite trivia game show. It's a dream come true as she wants the prize money desperately. Her optimism is broken when she sees one of her contestants is Eli her high school sweetheart who broke her heart. They both have a reason for why they need the money. It's a refreshing take on second chance romance and absolutely a delight to read. Enjoyed it so much. I look forward to more Kelly Ohlert books
April 17, 2023
Big thanks to NetGalley & Alcove Press for providing an ARC for free, in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book interested me since the second I read it. I love trivia games and I felt this book was really able to encapsulate it. Another aspect that I ended up loving was the second chance romance between Charlotte and Eli (they're too cute)! The pacing of the book was really good and it was able to keep me interested all the way through.
This book is very sweet and an amazing read if you're looking for something fun, cute and very nerdy (meaning this was right up my alley hahahah). Definitely recommend it!
The premise of this book interested me since the second I read it. I love trivia games and I felt this book was really able to encapsulate it. Another aspect that I ended up loving was the second chance romance between Charlotte and Eli (they're too cute)! The pacing of the book was really good and it was able to keep me interested all the way through.
This book is very sweet and an amazing read if you're looking for something fun, cute and very nerdy (meaning this was right up my alley hahahah). Definitely recommend it!
March 18, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this arc! Let's Get Quizzical is a second chance romance between two brainiacs! I wouldn't say this was super comedic but it had its moments and I loved the random facts thrown into it. Would recommend!
April 11, 2023
Story by Kelly Ohlert ⭐⭐⭐
This story had some really good laugh out loud moments and a fun story line.
As far as the budding romance, I wasn't absorbed by it which was a bit disappointing but it was still an enjoyable read.
This story had some really good laugh out loud moments and a fun story line.
As far as the budding romance, I wasn't absorbed by it which was a bit disappointing but it was still an enjoyable read.
October 19, 2023
Charlotte and her family are huge game show fans. They have been watching them since she was a kid. She applied to be on any game show for years but had no luck. She even took the time to read each rule to make sure she doesn’t break any in case she was chosen to be on one. One day she was finally chosen to be on her favorite one, and it couldn’t come at a better time. Her and her family need the money for medical bills for her grandma.
Eli is a personal trainer that is trying to get his degree so he can get a better job. Eli had a rough childhood, his dad has been in and out of jail and is trying to stay on the right track. He can use the money to help him and his dad not struggle so much. He applies to be on the same game show and is picked to compete.
The day of the first taping we find out that Eli and Charlotte were high school lovers that still had feelings for one another.
They continue to advance in the game show so that means they have to spend the next few weeks together. The audience loves their dynamic and want to see more, including off the game show. So they decide to explore LA museums and they are seen out and about as much as possible in hopes of the paparazzi seeing them. During this time you see Eli and Charlotte rekindle their love for one another.
I read this book within 24 hours because I kept wanting to know if they would win the game show. I really liked that aspect of the book but I was a little disappointed that their were a lot of loose ends that we are left with by the conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Eli is a personal trainer that is trying to get his degree so he can get a better job. Eli had a rough childhood, his dad has been in and out of jail and is trying to stay on the right track. He can use the money to help him and his dad not struggle so much. He applies to be on the same game show and is picked to compete.
The day of the first taping we find out that Eli and Charlotte were high school lovers that still had feelings for one another.
They continue to advance in the game show so that means they have to spend the next few weeks together. The audience loves their dynamic and want to see more, including off the game show. So they decide to explore LA museums and they are seen out and about as much as possible in hopes of the paparazzi seeing them. During this time you see Eli and Charlotte rekindle their love for one another.
I read this book within 24 hours because I kept wanting to know if they would win the game show. I really liked that aspect of the book but I was a little disappointed that their were a lot of loose ends that we are left with by the conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2023
I've had this one on my radar for months. I used to watch game shows with my grandma. It looked so cute so I requested the ARC. When I read the first few chapters I was so excited. It was going to be funny and I was going to learn some fun trivia along the way. Unfortunately it fell flat for me. We are told about their relationship as teenagers but not shown it. They meet up at age 30 both being on a game show and we just know that the guy broke her heart. But the breaking of the heart was weird too. He told her to meet him under the bleachers during school and then she got caught and he didn't. Then he didn't talk to her again. I mean you see him every day at school and never before school, after school, during school, or go to his house and ask what happened? He saw the teacher coming. That's it. That seems legitimate to me of why he didn't come out there. So when they both meet back up they both still want each other, but since we didn't get to see their love actually happen, I did not have feelings one way or the other about if they should be together. We were just told they loved each other and now they love each other again. And then what happened at the game show was weird too. I won't get into it as a spoiler but it just kind of fell flat to me also.
-Never apologize for taking up space.
-Never apologize for taking up space.
January 18, 2024
Quick Summary: An intense win, lose, or draw romance
My Review: Let’s Get Quizzical by Kelly Ohlert is a standalone romance from Alcove Press. It is a fast-paced, contemporary novel centered around a game show and a second chance relationship.
About the Book: Charlotte and Eli were once young and in love. When he betrayed her and left her without any explanation whatsoever, she vowed not to be so trusting ever again. Who knew that a game show competition would bring them back together? Unfortunately, the same issues related to love, honor, and integrity crept up again.
My Final Say: This was a really creative rom-com. It was humorous, but it also had a touch of drama. I quite enjoyed reading it.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 👍
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Alcove Press), and to NetGalley for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review.
My Review: Let’s Get Quizzical by Kelly Ohlert is a standalone romance from Alcove Press. It is a fast-paced, contemporary novel centered around a game show and a second chance relationship.
About the Book: Charlotte and Eli were once young and in love. When he betrayed her and left her without any explanation whatsoever, she vowed not to be so trusting ever again. Who knew that a game show competition would bring them back together? Unfortunately, the same issues related to love, honor, and integrity crept up again.
My Final Say: This was a really creative rom-com. It was humorous, but it also had a touch of drama. I quite enjoyed reading it.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 👍
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Alcove Press), and to NetGalley for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2023
This book brings me back to my days on the Quiz Bowl team. I loved the facts sprinkled throughout the book and laughed so hard learning about the "whipple tickle"!!
I enjoyed Charlotte and Eli's relationship...previous sweet-hearts that had a falling out to finding their way back to each other and working to the same goal with wanting to win the game show. Gran and her previous lover fall-out and all the honesty she harps was a lot and I think that scared Charlotte but I also thinks that helps her speak her truth.
This book is a wonderful feel-good rom-com and I greatly enjoyed it! I look forward to reading other books by Kelly Ohlert.
I enjoyed Charlotte and Eli's relationship...previous sweet-hearts that had a falling out to finding their way back to each other and working to the same goal with wanting to win the game show. Gran and her previous lover fall-out and all the honesty she harps was a lot and I think that scared Charlotte but I also thinks that helps her speak her truth.
This book is a wonderful feel-good rom-com and I greatly enjoyed it! I look forward to reading other books by Kelly Ohlert.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
Not bad… just boring. I’ve had this e-book for a while, just never got around to it, and I enjoyed Ohlert’s previous book, ‘To Get to the Other Side’. Finally made time with help from a library audiobook but the story ultimately fell flat.
Charlotte and Eli have a good foundation to their individual characters and motivations, both needing money and hoping game show winnings will save them. Their shared backstory, though, was weak and the obstacles in the present were lackluster and somewhat one-sided. Charlotte’s inability to see beyond her rigid moral code showed an emotional immaturity that made me want to tell Eli to run, she’ll never support you or think about anyone but herself. It might have made sense if there were stronger and more dramatic backstory/build. As it was, though, I was mostly bored by it all.
Overall, their reactions and actions just didn’t match the story as it was told.
Charlotte and Eli have a good foundation to their individual characters and motivations, both needing money and hoping game show winnings will save them. Their shared backstory, though, was weak and the obstacles in the present were lackluster and somewhat one-sided. Charlotte’s inability to see beyond her rigid moral code showed an emotional immaturity that made me want to tell Eli to run, she’ll never support you or think about anyone but herself. It might have made sense if there were stronger and more dramatic backstory/build. As it was, though, I was mostly bored by it all.
Overall, their reactions and actions just didn’t match the story as it was told.
August 16, 2024
Not my cup of tea. I could not connect with either character or the personal conflicts that motivated them to sign up for the game show. There was no chemistry between them and efforts at romantic moments felt awkward. It was second chance, but we never actually learned why their first chance ended or saw the connection then or now.
dnf-baby
November 2, 2023DNF at 10%
This was so badly written, I could not finish it. The conversations seem really weird and not realistic at all and the set-up is just way too cringy and weird. Did not like it.
The whole game-show seemed a bit too clichee and nonsensical as well
- August 2023
This was so badly written, I could not finish it. The conversations seem really weird and not realistic at all and the set-up is just way too cringy and weird. Did not like it.
The whole game-show seemed a bit too clichee and nonsensical as well
- August 2023
dnf
October 17, 2023DNF at 30%. Didn’t hold my attention and unfortunately I felt like it wasn’t something I wanted to push through.
Thank you NetGalley for the ebook copy in exchange for a review.
Thank you NetGalley for the ebook copy in exchange for a review.
November 9, 2023
Was this cute? Maybe
Will I remember it? Nope.
RTC
Will I remember it? Nope.
RTC
August 14, 2023
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This was a sweet, nerdy second chance romance! Our MCs, Charlie and Eli, had an ill-fated romance when they were teens, and haven't spoken in over a decade. They encounter each other for the first time since then on a game show, and sparks begin to fly. Both of them are in dire financial straits, and are looking to win prize money to help their loved ones. When they are thrust into an awkward (and illegal) situation by the game show producer, their newly rekindled, still fragile relationship is put to the test. Between a rock and a hard place, Charlie and Eli have to decide what is important to them and what the true value of honesty is.
This was a perfect encapsulation of how attraction, trust, honesty, and love (romantic and familial) intersect in our lives. There were some deeper themes that I wasn't expecting from a game show-driven romance, including a father who spent time in jail, an extremely ill grandparent, and blackmail.
Overall, I think the author has done an exceptional job of weaving the lightness of romance with the grittiness of real life to create a wonderfully well-rounded story.
This was a sweet, nerdy second chance romance! Our MCs, Charlie and Eli, had an ill-fated romance when they were teens, and haven't spoken in over a decade. They encounter each other for the first time since then on a game show, and sparks begin to fly. Both of them are in dire financial straits, and are looking to win prize money to help their loved ones. When they are thrust into an awkward (and illegal) situation by the game show producer, their newly rekindled, still fragile relationship is put to the test. Between a rock and a hard place, Charlie and Eli have to decide what is important to them and what the true value of honesty is.
This was a perfect encapsulation of how attraction, trust, honesty, and love (romantic and familial) intersect in our lives. There were some deeper themes that I wasn't expecting from a game show-driven romance, including a father who spent time in jail, an extremely ill grandparent, and blackmail.
Overall, I think the author has done an exceptional job of weaving the lightness of romance with the grittiness of real life to create a wonderfully well-rounded story.
February 26, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an arc of this book. Below is my honest review.
Some of Charlottes best memories are of days home from school watching game shows with her Gran. Her very favorite? Brain Battle — and her ultimate dream is to be a competitor. She wants to use the money to pay for her grandmothers health care.
Eli is barely making ends meet. He and his father are working nonstop to barely pay the bills. And, Eli is always worried his father will make one misstep and end up back in jail.
Both Charlotte and Eli are chosen to be contestants on Brain Battle. And, they both need to win. Each has no idea the other is going to be there … and, to top it off? They are high school exes with a grudge. Of course they end up teammates. OF COURSE. Cue bickering on national television.
Will the audience eat them up? Will they talk about what went down in high school? Will they win enough money to help their families?
I love trivia shows, so I was quite excited to real a rom com centered around a quiz show. Add in exes with the enemies to lovers trope? I’m in. Although the quiz show arc wasn’t what I expected before I started reading, I liked it. I also enjoyed Gran’s backstory. Oh, and Charlottes inability to focus and her mind going off on tangents was hilariously on point.
If you want something light, like trivia and rom coms, then I’d say to give it a whirl.
Some of Charlottes best memories are of days home from school watching game shows with her Gran. Her very favorite? Brain Battle — and her ultimate dream is to be a competitor. She wants to use the money to pay for her grandmothers health care.
Eli is barely making ends meet. He and his father are working nonstop to barely pay the bills. And, Eli is always worried his father will make one misstep and end up back in jail.
Both Charlotte and Eli are chosen to be contestants on Brain Battle. And, they both need to win. Each has no idea the other is going to be there … and, to top it off? They are high school exes with a grudge. Of course they end up teammates. OF COURSE. Cue bickering on national television.
Will the audience eat them up? Will they talk about what went down in high school? Will they win enough money to help their families?
I love trivia shows, so I was quite excited to real a rom com centered around a quiz show. Add in exes with the enemies to lovers trope? I’m in. Although the quiz show arc wasn’t what I expected before I started reading, I liked it. I also enjoyed Gran’s backstory. Oh, and Charlottes inability to focus and her mind going off on tangents was hilariously on point.
If you want something light, like trivia and rom coms, then I’d say to give it a whirl.
March 21, 2023
“That’s it. Talk nerdy to me.”
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thirteen years after their break up, Charlotte and Eli are paired together on a quiz show, with the forced proximity sparking a nerdy second chance romance.
I really loved the premise of this book with such a unique setting and interesting character dynamics. Filled with obscure facts and a museum trip that was (almost) to die for, this is a fun, cute romcom. I did wish the ending was extended a little and a bit more backstory provided throughout but I look forward to see what Ohlert releases next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thirteen years after their break up, Charlotte and Eli are paired together on a quiz show, with the forced proximity sparking a nerdy second chance romance.
I really loved the premise of this book with such a unique setting and interesting character dynamics. Filled with obscure facts and a museum trip that was (almost) to die for, this is a fun, cute romcom. I did wish the ending was extended a little and a bit more backstory provided throughout but I look forward to see what Ohlert releases next!
May 26, 2023
2.5 stars - I loved the nerdy premise of this book, a second-chance romance on a trivia show. There were some really fun date moments and I enjoyed the random facts sprinkled in. Unfortunately, there was just so much happening that the romance got lost. Charlotte and Eli both had a huge amount of family drama, and were also dealing with drama from the show’s producers, as well as their own feelings about what had happened in their past relationship. Any one or two of those storylines would have been plenty - with all of them, the book felt overfull.
April 10, 2023
3/3.5⭐️ I really liked the concept of this book. I personally haven’t read a book about a game show before so I was really excited to read it. Unfortunately the game show aspect was a little part of the book and the other 95% was about their personal drama. I couldn’t connect to Charlie (found her a little annoying🫣). Overall it wasn’t a bad story I just expected more!
Thank you NetGalley and alcove press for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
Thank you NetGalley and alcove press for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
January 11, 2024
The romance wasn’t very believable, too many copy editing errors took me out of the story, and the wrap up didn’t convince me this was ever a couple worth rooting for.
February 16, 2024
This books starts by misspelling Laura ingalls wilder and never manages to recover
2023
October 22, 2025Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press
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