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Taking Initiative
After having her heart broken, Jo Rainier is eager to start fresh in a new town in Kansas. When she walks into her local library's first-ever game night, she expects to roll some dice and maybe even make some Monsters & Mythology friends. But instead of finding a friendly group of gamers, she stumbles upon a gorgeous librarian seriously in over his head.
Felix Navarro is desperate to save his job so he can take care of his aging grandfather. He hopes a game night will boost the library's patron numbers-and its budget too. The only problem? He's a buttoned-up pragmatist who's never roleplayed a day in his life. Luckily for Felix, Jo is an experienced MnM Game Master, and she's willing to teach him... especially if that means time alone together.
As they gather at the gaming table, Jo uncovers Felix's soft heart (not to mention his killer forearms), and Felix finds himself falling hard and fast for Jo's charm, wit, and creative mind. The spark between them grows into a flame when they wind up sharing the only available hotel room at an MnM convention. But back home, not everything is fun and games. As their connection deepens, old wounds left by Jo's toxic ex begin to surface, and Felix's earnest affection suddenly feels too good to be true. If they want to create a real romance amidst a world of fantasy, Jo and Felix will have to roll the dice and take a chance on love.
Felix Navarro is desperate to save his job so he can take care of his aging grandfather. He hopes a game night will boost the library's patron numbers-and its budget too. The only problem? He's a buttoned-up pragmatist who's never roleplayed a day in his life. Luckily for Felix, Jo is an experienced MnM Game Master, and she's willing to teach him... especially if that means time alone together.
As they gather at the gaming table, Jo uncovers Felix's soft heart (not to mention his killer forearms), and Felix finds himself falling hard and fast for Jo's charm, wit, and creative mind. The spark between them grows into a flame when they wind up sharing the only available hotel room at an MnM convention. But back home, not everything is fun and games. As their connection deepens, old wounds left by Jo's toxic ex begin to surface, and Felix's earnest affection suddenly feels too good to be true. If they want to create a real romance amidst a world of fantasy, Jo and Felix will have to roll the dice and take a chance on love.
358 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2024
8 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Elle M. Stewart
1 book15 followersElle M. Stewart in a queer, neurodivergent author who lives and writes in the San Francisco Bay Area. She lives with two cats, nine bags of dice, and more loose leaf tea than any human can reasonably drink in one lifetime. For over eight years, she’s been playing tabletop roleplaying games and has written numerous campaigns and adventures. Her self-proclaimed crowning achievement is a one-shot romp titled “To Flavortown and Back Again,” featuring villains Guy Fae-eri and his sidekick “saucerer.” Taking Initiative is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
June 23, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher (via Netgalley) in exchange for an honest review.
I've read this book in 1 day and that's just a miracle for a slow-reader like me. I just enjoyed so much this cute story without lies between the 2 main characters but a lot of introspection. What a journey into recognizing bad patterns and working on them to build a safe relationship! I love Felix, his patience and his emotional intelligence... such a cute guy every woman would wish to have by her side... as a lover... or as a friend!
I've read this book in 1 day and that's just a miracle for a slow-reader like me. I just enjoyed so much this cute story without lies between the 2 main characters but a lot of introspection. What a journey into recognizing bad patterns and working on them to build a safe relationship! I love Felix, his patience and his emotional intelligence... such a cute guy every woman would wish to have by her side... as a lover... or as a friend!
June 12, 2024
Thank you to Elle Stewart and Netgalley for giving me early access to this book.
I really enjoyed this book, it was totally different than what I usually read and it made me think about picking up dungeons and dragons as a hobby. Felix is an amazing book boyfriend, and you guys should totally go read their love story!
I really enjoyed this book, it was totally different than what I usually read and it made me think about picking up dungeons and dragons as a hobby. Felix is an amazing book boyfriend, and you guys should totally go read their love story!
May 21, 2024
Thank you so much to the author, Elle M. Stewart and NetGalley for giving me the joy of reading the arc of Elle’s debut novel.
And a beautiful debut it was. As a TTRPG-fan for almost a decade, the title and cover had me hooked and the plot never let me off of it. I loved the relationships, both platonic and romantic, were so interwoven to create a story that made me both laugh out loud, kick my feet and giggle, alongside having me confront my own thoughts on love after a rocky relationship.
It was a challenge to put the book down, so I barely did. I am so thrilled this book came into my life when it did and I cannot wait for others to experience its nerdy charm, its spicy moments, and overall love letter-esque quality to TTRPG and how we navigate the many loves in our lives.
And a beautiful debut it was. As a TTRPG-fan for almost a decade, the title and cover had me hooked and the plot never let me off of it. I loved the relationships, both platonic and romantic, were so interwoven to create a story that made me both laugh out loud, kick my feet and giggle, alongside having me confront my own thoughts on love after a rocky relationship.
It was a challenge to put the book down, so I barely did. I am so thrilled this book came into my life when it did and I cannot wait for others to experience its nerdy charm, its spicy moments, and overall love letter-esque quality to TTRPG and how we navigate the many loves in our lives.
December 10, 2024
This was such a fun little book. It’s based around a table-top RPG, like DnD, called Monsters and Mythology. The FMC, Jo; teaches Felix, the MMC aka Hot Librarian, how to play the game so he can run a game night every week for the library!
It took me a little bit to get into as my mood brain did not want to play but by 30%, I was invested. It had such a fun mix of banter, jokes, cuteness, and straight up nerdiness too.
It was entertaining to learn all the rules and plays and characters too. I’d be so interested to hear a DnD player’s perspective on the game and story.
This book also had a wonderful cast of characters. Felix and Jo were great but we also had Tito, Felix’s Grandpa, as well as meeting all of Jo’s MnM friends when they met up at a con.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and a great debut novel! The story was light and easy, even in the heavier moments, Felix was the cutest boyfriend ever, and I can’t forget to mention Merry the Cat too! If you love DnD, or are intrigued by games, I highly recommend checking this out!
Thank you kindly to @ingramsparksbooks for sending me a copy for my honest review. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Elle M Stewart!
It took me a little bit to get into as my mood brain did not want to play but by 30%, I was invested. It had such a fun mix of banter, jokes, cuteness, and straight up nerdiness too.
It was entertaining to learn all the rules and plays and characters too. I’d be so interested to hear a DnD player’s perspective on the game and story.
This book also had a wonderful cast of characters. Felix and Jo were great but we also had Tito, Felix’s Grandpa, as well as meeting all of Jo’s MnM friends when they met up at a con.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and a great debut novel! The story was light and easy, even in the heavier moments, Felix was the cutest boyfriend ever, and I can’t forget to mention Merry the Cat too! If you love DnD, or are intrigued by games, I highly recommend checking this out!
Thank you kindly to @ingramsparksbooks for sending me a copy for my honest review. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Elle M Stewart!
June 21, 2024
This was such a great debut novel. I found myself giggling and kicking my feet for the majority of the first half. I didn't love the pacing and sometimes Felix from the second half felt like a totally different character. There were a few moments from him that really threw me out of the story, but overall it was so much fun. I'm not a DnDer myself, but I appreciate the storytelling and how it brings people together in this book. 🎲
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
June 24, 2024
First, I will say I had to suspend my disbelief a lot with this book as an ex-librarian who ran a D&D program. Barring that, this is an incredibly cute story that’s enjoyable regardless of if you’ve played tabletop roleplaying games. I liked that the main characters’ problems didn’t stop just because of their relationship. They both still had to heal and work through things to have the best chance at happiness.
June 12, 2024
This book surprised me. I didn’t know a lot about the gaming world when I started but I couldn’t put this book down. The friendships were so beautiful and central to the story. This very much had the found family trope. I think we all need a friend like Aida. The way the relationship grew and the way the y tried to support each other was very sweet.
Thank you NetGalley for the Arc
Thank you NetGalley for the Arc
June 6, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Author, Elle M. Stewart for providing me with an ARC of this debut novel.
As someone who has never played Dungeons & Dragons, I was worried I wouldn't enjoy this book. However, the author's explanations of the game were clear and helpful, and I found myself engrossed in the story. The main characters, both in their 30s, were refreshingly mature and handled challenges with grace. The side characters added depth and interest to the narrative, making this a great choice for anyone looking for a unique and engaging romance novel. And yes, the spice was perfect!
As someone who has never played Dungeons & Dragons, I was worried I wouldn't enjoy this book. However, the author's explanations of the game were clear and helpful, and I found myself engrossed in the story. The main characters, both in their 30s, were refreshingly mature and handled challenges with grace. The side characters added depth and interest to the narrative, making this a great choice for anyone looking for a unique and engaging romance novel. And yes, the spice was perfect!
August 1, 2024
listen of COURSE I was going to request the dnd at the library romance. I’m glad I did bc it turned out to be a lot of fun and very engaging! loved both characters and their arcs and also that they were in their 30s and acted like actual adults for once. wild that that’s refreshing in a romance but here we are 🤷♀️
June 23, 2024
I think it's important to state that I started reading this book about a woman who is trying to play less Monsters & Mythology (or MnM) at the same time that my DnD party was starting our third campaign. Like, third going on at a time. Guilty, your honor!
Needless to say, Jo and Felix's story spoke to my nerdy heart in a big way. Hot librarian meets anxious TTRPG nerd--you can't LOSE in this situation! When Felix's job is on the line because his library is facing budget cuts, he has to start and run an MnM program in the hopes of drawing a younger crowd to the library; the only problem with that is that he knows absolutely nothing about MnM and has very little time to figure it out. Luckily for him, the ONLY person to attend his first game night is Jo, who just so happens to know a LOT about MnM. One thing leads to another, and...well, in the way of romance novels, romance ensues, in the nerdiest way possible.
As much as I loved the nerdy aspects of this book, I loved how much heart it has even more. Jo and Felix are a near-perfect match, always looking out for each other, and even their third-act drama was full of emotional intelligence and care. Like, I LOVE a romance novel about characters in their mid-30s who are willing to talk through their problems and GO TO THERAPY. There's just something so peaceful about being able to close a book without thinking that the love interests are DEFINITELY going to break up off screen...
Thank you to Elle M Stewart and NetGalley for providing this ARC!
Needless to say, Jo and Felix's story spoke to my nerdy heart in a big way. Hot librarian meets anxious TTRPG nerd--you can't LOSE in this situation! When Felix's job is on the line because his library is facing budget cuts, he has to start and run an MnM program in the hopes of drawing a younger crowd to the library; the only problem with that is that he knows absolutely nothing about MnM and has very little time to figure it out. Luckily for him, the ONLY person to attend his first game night is Jo, who just so happens to know a LOT about MnM. One thing leads to another, and...well, in the way of romance novels, romance ensues, in the nerdiest way possible.
As much as I loved the nerdy aspects of this book, I loved how much heart it has even more. Jo and Felix are a near-perfect match, always looking out for each other, and even their third-act drama was full of emotional intelligence and care. Like, I LOVE a romance novel about characters in their mid-30s who are willing to talk through their problems and GO TO THERAPY. There's just something so peaceful about being able to close a book without thinking that the love interests are DEFINITELY going to break up off screen...
Thank you to Elle M Stewart and NetGalley for providing this ARC!
July 11, 2024
Overall, it was a well written, cute romance. There are plenty of gamer jokes and references, which I appreciated and got laughs out of me.
The biggest problem is that I don't want to read a book about 2 well-adjusted human beings having a mature relationship. 🤣 that's totally on me, and yes, I'm in therapy. But unfortunately, it reads as kind of boring? And they're almost too respectful of each other.
The love was a bit too instanteous for me, and I think the story could have used a bit more tension and drama to make it a bit more of a page turner. Regardless of how well-adjusted two people are, it seems fake to not have some rough moments. Also, just for the sake of creating a story, that's more what readers want.
The other thing was the tornado scene. I've lived my whole life in Tornado Alley, so it just made me laugh. No one reacts to tornado watches or even warnings that way. I get she's new to Kansas, so her reaction was one thing, but Felix has been there and lived their with his grandparents. It's hard when something you have personal experience with isn't written to those experiences and pulls you out of the story.
Overall, if you're looking for a fluffy romcom with nerd vibes, then I think this is definitely a book that can fit that roll. Get it? 😉
The biggest problem is that I don't want to read a book about 2 well-adjusted human beings having a mature relationship. 🤣 that's totally on me, and yes, I'm in therapy. But unfortunately, it reads as kind of boring? And they're almost too respectful of each other.
The love was a bit too instanteous for me, and I think the story could have used a bit more tension and drama to make it a bit more of a page turner. Regardless of how well-adjusted two people are, it seems fake to not have some rough moments. Also, just for the sake of creating a story, that's more what readers want.
The other thing was the tornado scene. I've lived my whole life in Tornado Alley, so it just made me laugh. No one reacts to tornado watches or even warnings that way. I get she's new to Kansas, so her reaction was one thing, but Felix has been there and lived their with his grandparents. It's hard when something you have personal experience with isn't written to those experiences and pulls you out of the story.
Overall, if you're looking for a fluffy romcom with nerd vibes, then I think this is definitely a book that can fit that roll. Get it? 😉
May 21, 2024
The playing Baldur's Gate 3 to binge-ing Critical Role to reading two romance books inspired by Dungeons and Dragons in the space of a couple of months pipeline
I cannot overstate how much of a breath of fresh air it was to read about characters who are introduced as being in their 30s and behave like they're in their 30s, not like they're in middle school. Their personalities are fleshed out very well - I had a realisation while reading that I could see myself in both main characters which is very rare for me, but between Jo's day job working in healthcare, her fears that her interests are weird or too much for people who aren't already in her inner circle, and Felix's resignation in his personal life, his quiet curiosity about table top RPG-ing after seeing the spark it alights in Jo but grappling with being too analytical to immerse himself in it the same way that he sees others do it.. I was sitting there like
Their connection felt very genuine but didn't overshadow platonic relationships in the book - Aida is a treasure and Tito was just the sweetest.
I really liked the author's disclaimer about language and not othering the second language in the book by italicizing it or immediately translating it rendering it less effective, but instead encouraging readers to look up the phrases.
Also the mention of "To Flavortown and Back Again" and Guy-Fae-eri in the acknowledgements has taken me out and I'm going to need that one-shot 👀
Thank you to Netgalley and Elle M. Stewart for access to an ARC! Really enjoyed this debut 🥰
I cannot overstate how much of a breath of fresh air it was to read about characters who are introduced as being in their 30s and behave like they're in their 30s, not like they're in middle school. Their personalities are fleshed out very well - I had a realisation while reading that I could see myself in both main characters which is very rare for me, but between Jo's day job working in healthcare, her fears that her interests are weird or too much for people who aren't already in her inner circle, and Felix's resignation in his personal life, his quiet curiosity about table top RPG-ing after seeing the spark it alights in Jo but grappling with being too analytical to immerse himself in it the same way that he sees others do it.. I was sitting there like
Their connection felt very genuine but didn't overshadow platonic relationships in the book - Aida is a treasure and Tito was just the sweetest.
I really liked the author's disclaimer about language and not othering the second language in the book by italicizing it or immediately translating it rendering it less effective, but instead encouraging readers to look up the phrases.
Thank you to Netgalley and Elle M. Stewart for access to an ARC! Really enjoyed this debut 🥰
June 23, 2024
I want to start off by saying I have never played or been interested in Dungeons & Dragons or other tabletop games, but I was aware that the game was going to take up some of the story. However, I wasn't prepared for how much of the prose went into detailing the game itself—if you love these games, you're going to loveeee that part of the story.
Overall, I didn't find the love match between Jo and Felix. I also found Jo to be very insufferable and the moments that she was uncomfortable with Felix or projecting onto him due to her past were far too many. I know healing isn't linear, but good lord lady, you are not made of glass bones and paper skin. Felix is solid, a librarian and family man, but I wished he spent more time finding clothes that fit because the amount of times the reader was made aware that something was stretched across his skin and buttons were bulging made me fear for his comfort moving in the library all day. I felt like him being a boxer in his free time served to make him more "manly" and explain his bulging muscles and it was just…unnecessary. This wasn't for me!
Thank you to Elle M. Stewart and NetGalley for providing an ARC!
2.5 ⭐️s
2 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 6/25/24
Overall, I didn't find the love match between Jo and Felix. I also found Jo to be very insufferable and the moments that she was uncomfortable with Felix or projecting onto him due to her past were far too many. I know healing isn't linear, but good lord lady, you are not made of glass bones and paper skin. Felix is solid, a librarian and family man, but I wished he spent more time finding clothes that fit because the amount of times the reader was made aware that something was stretched across his skin and buttons were bulging made me fear for his comfort moving in the library all day. I felt like him being a boxer in his free time served to make him more "manly" and explain his bulging muscles and it was just…unnecessary. This wasn't for me!
Thank you to Elle M. Stewart and NetGalley for providing an ARC!
2.5 ⭐️s
2 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 6/25/24
January 11, 2025
A slow burn friends to lovers romance, with a side of dragonkin and dice. 🎲
A small-town romance novel that is filled with love, found family and a sprinkle of spice. Steward provides a cast of diverse and colourful personalities designed to bring the story to life, and make this book hard to put down.
I ate this up, and I low-key want a sequel (or even a Tito prequel!) thanks to how lovable the characters are. This book single handedly made me want to play D&D, and buy some pun-themed crop tops.
Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, my only critique would be that I wished the author had added more scenes of the game itself. I was really interested to learn more!
🎁 thank you to Ingram Spark for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A small-town romance novel that is filled with love, found family and a sprinkle of spice. Steward provides a cast of diverse and colourful personalities designed to bring the story to life, and make this book hard to put down.
I ate this up, and I low-key want a sequel (or even a Tito prequel!) thanks to how lovable the characters are. This book single handedly made me want to play D&D, and buy some pun-themed crop tops.
Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, my only critique would be that I wished the author had added more scenes of the game itself. I was really interested to learn more!
🎁 thank you to Ingram Spark for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2025
I really enjoy this story. I love that Jo took a chance to start fresh somewhere else after a hard heartbreak. Going back to the hobby she enjoy the most. I love the development between the two character over time. Jo teaching Felix the understanding of MnM, taking him to Indi con to get the feel and helping him with the launch. He started to understand Jo more and the joy that it brings to her.
July 3, 2024
I just keep thinking about this book! The portrayal of growth after a bad relationship, the TTRPG, the main characters, everything in this book was perfect! It's almost like this book was written just for me! I would love to read more about these guys in the future, or even just visit their town again. Anything else I could say about this book would just end up being an excited key smash, it was just so so good!
May 23, 2025
very cute! Jo and Felix were both interesting and likeable characters! also, I love ttrpgs and supporting your local public library!
June 7, 2024
An wonderfully fun and entertaining novel, Taking Initiative is a beautiful debut! In search of a fresh start after her breakup, Jo has moved to small Kansas town and finds herself the only attendee at the local library's first ever Monsters and Mythology (MnM) game night. When it quickly becomes clear that the librarian, Felix, is woefully unprepared to be a Game Master (GM), Jo finds herself agreeing to teach him everything he needs to know. What ensues is a absolutely delightful (and spicy) romance filled with overly formal emails, heartwarming friendships, and plenty of TTRPG.
I enjoyed every moment of this story, from the heavy to the laugh out loud, and wish so badly that I could watch GM Jo do her thing. Felix is so sweet and I loved watching him go on his MnM journey, especially when he realized how much it means to Jo. This was a romance that felt genuine to me - the pacing was perfect and the character growth was front and center. A sort of love letter to TTRPG, Taking Initiative was a pure joy to read and I can't wait to see more from Elle M. Stewart.
Thank you to Elle M. Stewart and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I enjoyed every moment of this story, from the heavy to the laugh out loud, and wish so badly that I could watch GM Jo do her thing. Felix is so sweet and I loved watching him go on his MnM journey, especially when he realized how much it means to Jo. This was a romance that felt genuine to me - the pacing was perfect and the character growth was front and center. A sort of love letter to TTRPG, Taking Initiative was a pure joy to read and I can't wait to see more from Elle M. Stewart.
Thank you to Elle M. Stewart and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 4, 2024
First of all, thank you so much Elle M. Stewart and NetGalley for giving the joy and opportunity of reading this arc/debut novel.
This book is about Jo and Felix. Jo who just moved to a very small town to try to figure out her life after a long term relationship break up and Felix who is trying to discover what makes him happy. Elements of RPG are incorporated. My first time reading about it and loved it!
In my opinion, this was a great debut novel. I loved that the characters were around their 30s and were still trying to figure out who they were and all the things they wanted to do in their lives. I absolutely loved Jo. She showed us that it’s okay to have hobbies that people might think they’re weird or odd, but that the right people will always support you no matter what.
The connection between Felix and Jo is beautiful. I do wish that once they were together we would’ve gotten more about their date or that they would’ve spent more time together. The spicy scenes were good, but I needed more from their actual relationship POV. But I still enjoyed it so much. I literally could not put it down.
Tropes present:
- he falls first
- small town romance
- friends to lovers
Again, thank you for the opportunity. It was a great read.
This book is about Jo and Felix. Jo who just moved to a very small town to try to figure out her life after a long term relationship break up and Felix who is trying to discover what makes him happy. Elements of RPG are incorporated. My first time reading about it and loved it!
In my opinion, this was a great debut novel. I loved that the characters were around their 30s and were still trying to figure out who they were and all the things they wanted to do in their lives. I absolutely loved Jo. She showed us that it’s okay to have hobbies that people might think they’re weird or odd, but that the right people will always support you no matter what.
The connection between Felix and Jo is beautiful. I do wish that once they were together we would’ve gotten more about their date or that they would’ve spent more time together. The spicy scenes were good, but I needed more from their actual relationship POV. But I still enjoyed it so much. I literally could not put it down.
Tropes present:
- he falls first
- small town romance
- friends to lovers
Again, thank you for the opportunity. It was a great read.
June 10, 2024
Thank you to Elle M. Stewart and NetGalley for letting me read the ARC of Taking Initiative! I loved the plot of this book and the inspiration from Dungeons and Dragons. It was such a unique story. The relationship between Jo and Felix starts out very casual but slowly transforms into the sweetest relationship! I love how much they truly care for each other. This is a great debut novel and I cant wait to read what Elle M. Stewart puts out next! 🖤
October 30, 2024
This was a really sweet romance novel! I liked the DnD based subplot but I wanted to hear more about their campaign! I loved the way the author handled trauma and grief, it felt really realistic and raw.
June 17, 2024
This book is a cute, nerdy, and emotional romance featuring a hilarious grandpa, a small town, and a charming group of friends!
June 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the digital ARC of this book!
Okay, this book was fantastic, and I loved every moment. It completely absorbed me, and I ended up reading it in only a few hours. Felix and Jo were the PERFECT couple, and I couldn't find a fault with either of them.
This whole book was a love story to Dungeon and Dragons and all the nerds out there in the world. Be warned, if you don't like, or are at least interested in, reading about people nerding out over stuff (and talks about role playing games), then you might not like this. But I'd fully recommend trying it anyway because it's FANTASTIC.
Jo loves Mythology and Magic—basically the DnD of this world—alongside everything nerdy, including fantasy and beloved favourites such as Star Wars. Felix, on the other hand, is much more grounded and not as interested in stuff like fantasy. What gets him off (lol) is all things rare books and facts. He loves his job in the library and wants to work with rare books in the future, and his favourite thing to read is a nonfiction book.
Despite this, they end up meeting when he's made to put on an MnM night to try and increase the library's patronage. Of course, he meets Jo, who's trying to find a new life after a hard breakup in California. They end up spending a lot more time together, and their chemistry is immediate.
I love how Jo is so obsessed with MnM, and when she's with her friends, she's more than happy to let her geek flag fly. She does have some trauma surrounding this, thanks to her ex, but the book works through it with both herself and Felix. Felix, on the other hand, adores her passion for games and is adorably sweet with her. This is a man who thinks his girlfriend is the best thing since sliced bread, and it's wonderful to read.
Felix was so open-minded and nonjudgmental. He really wanted to understand why people like this stuff and was open to trying it himself. His grandfather, Tito, was a fantastic character, and you could really feel the relationship between them both.
The side characters were equally fantastic, from Jo's best friend and the rest of her California MnM group to the newer friends she made, such as Vanessa and Leni. I particularly liked how all the characters were open about their nerdy habits - Vanessa's love of all things 'Stars' was great to read. I loved how this book made it normal and perfectly fine to have these loves because this is exactly what life is like.
I also loved how these were two mid-30s characters comfortable in their own skin and sexuality. The sex scenes were spicy but also full of confidence. There was no messing around for them; they both knew what they liked and were willing to vocalise it. There was also plenty of body positivity and casual mentions of things like body dimples, body rolls, body hair and more. Alongside this, the cast was very diverse and varied, featuring people of all ethnicities, nationalities, genders and sexual identities. Felix is Spanish, Aida (Jo's best friend), is Middle Eastern, Aida's fiancé is black, a Korean non-binary person in their gaming group and so much more. It noted how a game like MnM (and, by extension, DnD) is meant to be inclusive, as the whole point is to role-play as someone you're not.
So, after all this waffling...it's safe to say I loved this book!
Okay, this book was fantastic, and I loved every moment. It completely absorbed me, and I ended up reading it in only a few hours. Felix and Jo were the PERFECT couple, and I couldn't find a fault with either of them.
This whole book was a love story to Dungeon and Dragons and all the nerds out there in the world. Be warned, if you don't like, or are at least interested in, reading about people nerding out over stuff (and talks about role playing games), then you might not like this. But I'd fully recommend trying it anyway because it's FANTASTIC.
Jo loves Mythology and Magic—basically the DnD of this world—alongside everything nerdy, including fantasy and beloved favourites such as Star Wars. Felix, on the other hand, is much more grounded and not as interested in stuff like fantasy. What gets him off (lol) is all things rare books and facts. He loves his job in the library and wants to work with rare books in the future, and his favourite thing to read is a nonfiction book.
Despite this, they end up meeting when he's made to put on an MnM night to try and increase the library's patronage. Of course, he meets Jo, who's trying to find a new life after a hard breakup in California. They end up spending a lot more time together, and their chemistry is immediate.
I love how Jo is so obsessed with MnM, and when she's with her friends, she's more than happy to let her geek flag fly. She does have some trauma surrounding this, thanks to her ex, but the book works through it with both herself and Felix. Felix, on the other hand, adores her passion for games and is adorably sweet with her. This is a man who thinks his girlfriend is the best thing since sliced bread, and it's wonderful to read.
Felix was so open-minded and nonjudgmental. He really wanted to understand why people like this stuff and was open to trying it himself. His grandfather, Tito, was a fantastic character, and you could really feel the relationship between them both.
The side characters were equally fantastic, from Jo's best friend and the rest of her California MnM group to the newer friends she made, such as Vanessa and Leni. I particularly liked how all the characters were open about their nerdy habits - Vanessa's love of all things 'Stars' was great to read. I loved how this book made it normal and perfectly fine to have these loves because this is exactly what life is like.
I also loved how these were two mid-30s characters comfortable in their own skin and sexuality. The sex scenes were spicy but also full of confidence. There was no messing around for them; they both knew what they liked and were willing to vocalise it. There was also plenty of body positivity and casual mentions of things like body dimples, body rolls, body hair and more. Alongside this, the cast was very diverse and varied, featuring people of all ethnicities, nationalities, genders and sexual identities. Felix is Spanish, Aida (Jo's best friend), is Middle Eastern, Aida's fiancé is black, a Korean non-binary person in their gaming group and so much more. It noted how a game like MnM (and, by extension, DnD) is meant to be inclusive, as the whole point is to role-play as someone you're not.
So, after all this waffling...it's safe to say I loved this book!
May 21, 2024
Taking Initiative by Elle M. Stewart
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 25 June 2024
After enduring a broken heart, Jo Rainier eagerly seeks a fresh start in a new Kansas town. Entering her local library's inaugural game night, she anticipates rolling dice and perhaps forging connections with fellow enthusiasts of Monsters & Mythology. Instead, she encounters a striking librarian who seems overwhelmed.
Felix Navarro is determined to safeguard his job to support his elderly grandfather. Hoping a game night will bolster the library's attendance—and its budget—he faces a hurdle: he's a pragmatic individual who's never delved into roleplaying. Fortunately, Jo, a seasoned MnM Game Master, offers to guide him, especially if it means spending more time together.
As they convene at the gaming table, Jo unveils Felix's tender side, while Felix finds himself swiftly falling for Jo's charisma, intellect, and imaginative spirit. Their connection ignites into something more during a shared hotel room stay at an MnM convention. However, reality hits upon their return home. Amidst deepening affection, Jo's past scars inflicted by her toxic ex resurface, casting doubt on Felix's genuine affection.
In “Taking Initiative” romance intertwines seamlessly with nerdy fun as Jo and Felix explore the realm of gaming and budding love.
Jo's mastery of MnM brings a captivating element to their bond, while Felix's sincerity and commitment to his family evoke heartfelt emotions.
Despite initial hiccups, their chemistry sparks not only at the gaming table but also in their everyday interactions.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it if you’re looking for a book that has all the feels and will most definitely leave a smile on your face.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Elle M. Stewart, and the author, Elle M. Stewart, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 25 June 2024
After enduring a broken heart, Jo Rainier eagerly seeks a fresh start in a new Kansas town. Entering her local library's inaugural game night, she anticipates rolling dice and perhaps forging connections with fellow enthusiasts of Monsters & Mythology. Instead, she encounters a striking librarian who seems overwhelmed.
Felix Navarro is determined to safeguard his job to support his elderly grandfather. Hoping a game night will bolster the library's attendance—and its budget—he faces a hurdle: he's a pragmatic individual who's never delved into roleplaying. Fortunately, Jo, a seasoned MnM Game Master, offers to guide him, especially if it means spending more time together.
As they convene at the gaming table, Jo unveils Felix's tender side, while Felix finds himself swiftly falling for Jo's charisma, intellect, and imaginative spirit. Their connection ignites into something more during a shared hotel room stay at an MnM convention. However, reality hits upon their return home. Amidst deepening affection, Jo's past scars inflicted by her toxic ex resurface, casting doubt on Felix's genuine affection.
In “Taking Initiative” romance intertwines seamlessly with nerdy fun as Jo and Felix explore the realm of gaming and budding love.
Jo's mastery of MnM brings a captivating element to their bond, while Felix's sincerity and commitment to his family evoke heartfelt emotions.
Despite initial hiccups, their chemistry sparks not only at the gaming table but also in their everyday interactions.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it if you’re looking for a book that has all the feels and will most definitely leave a smile on your face.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Elle M. Stewart, and the author, Elle M. Stewart, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
June 5, 2024
Huge thank you to the author, Elle M. Stewart and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
As a huge TTRPG fan and romance reader, I was immediately drawn into this debut as soon as I saw the title and cover, and so glad to say that it did not disappoint!
Jo is a skilled nurse at a senior care facility and huge “Monsters and Mythology” nerd. The novel begins with her moving cross country from California to a small Kansas town to find a new beginning following the devastating end of a decade long toxic relationship. There, she meets Felix, a 36 year old librarian who has been tasked with starting up a weekly game night to help boost traffic at the library and avoid cuts to their funding. Felix is an introverted, type A, all-around sweet guy who seems to have found himself in a bit of a life-rut, having moved to Kansas following the death of his beloved grandmother, his life currently revolves around work and caring for his delightful Grandfather Tito.
Their relationship starts off slow, as two shy somewhat co-workers when Jo volunteers to help Felix get his program off the ground, but quickly evolves into a tender, and steamy romance that allows them both to learn more about each other and themselves as they evolve together as a couple.
First, I loved that this story featured a couple who were in their mid to late thirties! More of this please! Next, the side-characters including the library staff, Felix’s grandfather, and Jo’s band of nerdy friends were delightful. The story also didn’t shy away from portraying Jo’s difficulties allowing herself to accept love and start anew with someone else after the emotional abuse she went through. The spice was also great! I mean, TTRPGs and a hot librarian with a praise kink!? Sign me up !
The passages describing Jo’s joy gaming were also so wonderful and relatable!
All in all, this was such a fun read and I would love to read more from this author hopefully soon!
As a huge TTRPG fan and romance reader, I was immediately drawn into this debut as soon as I saw the title and cover, and so glad to say that it did not disappoint!
Jo is a skilled nurse at a senior care facility and huge “Monsters and Mythology” nerd. The novel begins with her moving cross country from California to a small Kansas town to find a new beginning following the devastating end of a decade long toxic relationship. There, she meets Felix, a 36 year old librarian who has been tasked with starting up a weekly game night to help boost traffic at the library and avoid cuts to their funding. Felix is an introverted, type A, all-around sweet guy who seems to have found himself in a bit of a life-rut, having moved to Kansas following the death of his beloved grandmother, his life currently revolves around work and caring for his delightful Grandfather Tito.
Their relationship starts off slow, as two shy somewhat co-workers when Jo volunteers to help Felix get his program off the ground, but quickly evolves into a tender, and steamy romance that allows them both to learn more about each other and themselves as they evolve together as a couple.
First, I loved that this story featured a couple who were in their mid to late thirties! More of this please! Next, the side-characters including the library staff, Felix’s grandfather, and Jo’s band of nerdy friends were delightful. The story also didn’t shy away from portraying Jo’s difficulties allowing herself to accept love and start anew with someone else after the emotional abuse she went through. The spice was also great! I mean, TTRPGs and a hot librarian with a praise kink!? Sign me up !
The passages describing Jo’s joy gaming were also so wonderful and relatable!
All in all, this was such a fun read and I would love to read more from this author hopefully soon!
June 19, 2024
"Jo moved to Ashville to start a new life after a breakup. She visits the local library for a MnM game night. Instead of finding a group of fellow players, she is met with Felix, the librarian hosting who also knows nothing about the game. He's also really handsome. Jo offers to help Felix understand and learn the game and to make game night a success at the library. They begin to spend time together and get to know each other- their past, their flaws, everything!
Jo's recent relationship has negatively affected her perspective of herself and her expecations of relationships. She feels like she is not enough for people. She seemed to be a little embarrassed by her hobby and was belittled for it in a previous relationship even though the hobby is what makes her feel alive. When she explains why people like these role-playing, fantasy games, it really touched my heart. Reality is rarely always how we want it to be, and these games provide an escape. Jo's best friend Aida is also the kind of friend that everyone would want in their lives. She just seems so cool, so confident, and so caring of Jo. She's always encouraging Jo to embrace who she is.
Felix is a sweet guy who isn't afraid of telling Jo how great she is. He's also extremely formal in a way and it makes it funny. He appreciates Jo for her, all of her. His relationship with his grandpa is also really sweet. He also does some growing himself and when he realizes where home is, it's extremely warming.
I loved that the book touches on library budget cuts which is a very real thing happening now. Libraries and librarians do so much for the community, but unfortunately, do not get the support and love they deserve. Everything in this book just felt so real- the conversations, the reactions, the people. I will say the book is also heavy on the game which made it a little difficult for me to follow along, only because I am not really into that.
Jo's recent relationship has negatively affected her perspective of herself and her expecations of relationships. She feels like she is not enough for people. She seemed to be a little embarrassed by her hobby and was belittled for it in a previous relationship even though the hobby is what makes her feel alive. When she explains why people like these role-playing, fantasy games, it really touched my heart. Reality is rarely always how we want it to be, and these games provide an escape. Jo's best friend Aida is also the kind of friend that everyone would want in their lives. She just seems so cool, so confident, and so caring of Jo. She's always encouraging Jo to embrace who she is.
Felix is a sweet guy who isn't afraid of telling Jo how great she is. He's also extremely formal in a way and it makes it funny. He appreciates Jo for her, all of her. His relationship with his grandpa is also really sweet. He also does some growing himself and when he realizes where home is, it's extremely warming.
I loved that the book touches on library budget cuts which is a very real thing happening now. Libraries and librarians do so much for the community, but unfortunately, do not get the support and love they deserve. Everything in this book just felt so real- the conversations, the reactions, the people. I will say the book is also heavy on the game which made it a little difficult for me to follow along, only because I am not really into that.
November 5, 2024
First and foremost, thank you to Elle Stewart and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Taking Initiative follows Jo, a newcomer to Kansas looking for a fresh start after leaving a toxic relationship, and Felix, the town’s analytical librarian. When they meet at a Monsters & Mythology (M&M) game night at the local library being hosted by Felix, they team up to grow the library’s TTRPG community—despite Felix knowing nothing about the game and Jo rediscovering her love for it. Their collaboration helps them rediscover themselves and forge a meaningful bond, all while navigating past wounds and learning about healthy relationships.
Short & Sweet Opinion:
I thoroughly enjoyed Taking Initiative—the mix of dual narration, thoughtful romance, and TTRPG was right up my alley! Both Jo and Felix’s character growth and banter, plus their more mature approach to romance, made this a refreshing, relatable read.
In-Depth Opinion:
From the author’s insightful notes to the way she tackles heavy topics in the narrative, I had immediate respect for this book. With my love for dual narration, romance, and TTRPG, I was already excited, and Taking Initiative didn’t disappoint. Jo and Felix are both strong characters, with Felix especially hitting that perfect blend of serious and deeply layered; his respectful, internal struggle to keep his distance added a lot of depth to his character. The banter and email exchanges were fantastic, letting me see how they grew emotionally as they built a slow, realistic relationship rather than rushing in. I also appreciated how the TTRPG scenes were inclusive, addressing real-life challenges at the table. Plus, characters who actually act their age made this feel like a mature and meaningful romance! This was a breath of fresh air, and I’ll definitely be returning to this author’s work.
Summary:
Taking Initiative follows Jo, a newcomer to Kansas looking for a fresh start after leaving a toxic relationship, and Felix, the town’s analytical librarian. When they meet at a Monsters & Mythology (M&M) game night at the local library being hosted by Felix, they team up to grow the library’s TTRPG community—despite Felix knowing nothing about the game and Jo rediscovering her love for it. Their collaboration helps them rediscover themselves and forge a meaningful bond, all while navigating past wounds and learning about healthy relationships.
Short & Sweet Opinion:
I thoroughly enjoyed Taking Initiative—the mix of dual narration, thoughtful romance, and TTRPG was right up my alley! Both Jo and Felix’s character growth and banter, plus their more mature approach to romance, made this a refreshing, relatable read.
In-Depth Opinion:
From the author’s insightful notes to the way she tackles heavy topics in the narrative, I had immediate respect for this book. With my love for dual narration, romance, and TTRPG, I was already excited, and Taking Initiative didn’t disappoint. Jo and Felix are both strong characters, with Felix especially hitting that perfect blend of serious and deeply layered; his respectful, internal struggle to keep his distance added a lot of depth to his character. The banter and email exchanges were fantastic, letting me see how they grew emotionally as they built a slow, realistic relationship rather than rushing in. I also appreciated how the TTRPG scenes were inclusive, addressing real-life challenges at the table. Plus, characters who actually act their age made this feel like a mature and meaningful romance! This was a breath of fresh air, and I’ll definitely be returning to this author’s work.
June 16, 2024
4.5 rounded up!
Thank you to the author for the early copy of the book!
“There was something beautiful, awe-inspiring about it. Not the books or the rules or the archetypes, but what the game was really about. Inclusivity, teamwork, and good prevailing over evil. The idea that, with unshakable belief and a good group of allies, it was possible to win.”
I saw this book randomly on booksta and immediately requesting it on Netgalley to read because I love board gaming. Plus, the idea of a female gamer and a hot male librarian? Perfection.
And it really was! It’s so rare to find a book where it’s not two nerds falling in love but instead one nerd and the person who respects their interests and hobbies. What I mean is: love doesn’t require you to love the same things as your significant other. You don’t need to both love that hobby with your whole soul… but you need to respect that passion from your partner. And Elle Stewart does a fantastic job here with Jo and Felix.
The two of them love and respect one another. And that’s so beautiful. My favorite scene is when Felix finally “sees” the reason behind Jo’s love of tabletop gaming. He doesn’t need to feel the same but he respects her love for the game.
On top of that, we get a fiery slow burn romance between the two that just hits all the right notes. The smut is FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC. And I am not joking here. I enjoyed it SO much. I can hardly believe this is Stewart’s debut.
The book did feel a teeny tiny bit long and some of the pop culture references were overdone / odd but otherwise, I really truly enjoyed this book. And I think even people who aren’t fans of hoarding games will too. She does a great job explaining the basic rules and dynamics of play!
Thank you to the author for the early copy of the book!
“There was something beautiful, awe-inspiring about it. Not the books or the rules or the archetypes, but what the game was really about. Inclusivity, teamwork, and good prevailing over evil. The idea that, with unshakable belief and a good group of allies, it was possible to win.”
I saw this book randomly on booksta and immediately requesting it on Netgalley to read because I love board gaming. Plus, the idea of a female gamer and a hot male librarian? Perfection.
And it really was! It’s so rare to find a book where it’s not two nerds falling in love but instead one nerd and the person who respects their interests and hobbies. What I mean is: love doesn’t require you to love the same things as your significant other. You don’t need to both love that hobby with your whole soul… but you need to respect that passion from your partner. And Elle Stewart does a fantastic job here with Jo and Felix.
The two of them love and respect one another. And that’s so beautiful. My favorite scene is when Felix finally “sees” the reason behind Jo’s love of tabletop gaming. He doesn’t need to feel the same but he respects her love for the game.
On top of that, we get a fiery slow burn romance between the two that just hits all the right notes. The smut is FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC. And I am not joking here. I enjoyed it SO much. I can hardly believe this is Stewart’s debut.
The book did feel a teeny tiny bit long and some of the pop culture references were overdone / odd but otherwise, I really truly enjoyed this book. And I think even people who aren’t fans of hoarding games will too. She does a great job explaining the basic rules and dynamics of play!
May 23, 2024
First things first, I want to say thank you so much to NetGalley and Elle M. Stewart for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest and fair review.
Reading log 21.5.24-22.5.24
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
fluff: 4/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taking initiative is such a beautiful book and it took me through a rollercoaster of emotions.
When it comes to specifics, I love the initial tension and Felix’s attempts to remain professional with Jo and as someone who loves games I felt like this book was perfect and accurately reflected the reality of how amazing the bonds are that we make through games.
Character wise, I think the dynamic between Felix and Tito is so cute and it made me giggle when they spoke to each other about Jo but I also love how they can confide in each other and how sweet Felix is to be there to support Tito.
From the very start I was left wondering if Felix saw the text on Jo’s phone and I love how consistent this part of the plot was, I would have been heartbroken if it wasn’t mentioned again and I audibly gasped when Felix mentioned it.
The only thing which I disliked about this book personally is that from the start, I loved how Jo and Felix always spoke about their problems and dealt with them together rationally without arguing so when they decided to take a break towards the end I think it made me uneasy. Then again, I think this was necessary to enable Jo to get help and for Felix to understand her situation.
Overall, taking initiative is a steamy, fast paced book with lots of cute moments and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves games and the bonds and relationships which we can create through such a special mutual interest
Reading log 21.5.24-22.5.24
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
fluff: 4/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taking initiative is such a beautiful book and it took me through a rollercoaster of emotions.
When it comes to specifics, I love the initial tension and Felix’s attempts to remain professional with Jo and as someone who loves games I felt like this book was perfect and accurately reflected the reality of how amazing the bonds are that we make through games.
Character wise, I think the dynamic between Felix and Tito is so cute and it made me giggle when they spoke to each other about Jo but I also love how they can confide in each other and how sweet Felix is to be there to support Tito.
From the very start I was left wondering if Felix saw the text on Jo’s phone and I love how consistent this part of the plot was, I would have been heartbroken if it wasn’t mentioned again and I audibly gasped when Felix mentioned it.
The only thing which I disliked about this book personally is that from the start, I loved how Jo and Felix always spoke about their problems and dealt with them together rationally without arguing so when they decided to take a break towards the end I think it made me uneasy. Then again, I think this was necessary to enable Jo to get help and for Felix to understand her situation.
Overall, taking initiative is a steamy, fast paced book with lots of cute moments and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves games and the bonds and relationships which we can create through such a special mutual interest
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2024
TTRPG (table top role playing game), a hot librarian, terms of endearment in Spanish, and two cats named after Lord of the Rings.
Jo is new to Ashville, KS, a town of about 8,000 people. After her ugly break up she decided she needed a new start, in a new place, that costs way less than LA. When the library in her new small town announces they're going to have a MnM night (a TTRPG that Jo is in love with and has been playing for years) she can't believe her luck. Unfortunately for Jo the librarian in charge of MnM game night, Felix, has no idea what he's doing. After being the only one to show up to the first game night Jo agrees to volunteer at the library to help Felix get the program started the right way. As Jo teaches Felix about dragonkin, d20 dice rolls, and leveling up characters, it's hard for her not to focus on how caring and down right gorgeous he is. Through a tornado, a MnM convention, and the official game night launch Jo and Felix explore the feelings they have for each other and how to make Ashville, and each other, home.
This was such a fantastic journey of a book. The elements of TTRPGs were woven in so well that both fans and strangers to TTRPGs can enjoy the game elements but also enjoy the romance. I'm obsessed with the pacing of this book. The pace that Jo and Felix fall for each other and how their relationship unfolds was incredibly realistic given what we know about each character and where they are at in their life. The spice was STEAMING. Truly some of the best romance I've read in a while. The character development that both Jo and Felix go through is also hopeful and touching but not too heavy handed. This book rolled a Nat 20.
Jo is new to Ashville, KS, a town of about 8,000 people. After her ugly break up she decided she needed a new start, in a new place, that costs way less than LA. When the library in her new small town announces they're going to have a MnM night (a TTRPG that Jo is in love with and has been playing for years) she can't believe her luck. Unfortunately for Jo the librarian in charge of MnM game night, Felix, has no idea what he's doing. After being the only one to show up to the first game night Jo agrees to volunteer at the library to help Felix get the program started the right way. As Jo teaches Felix about dragonkin, d20 dice rolls, and leveling up characters, it's hard for her not to focus on how caring and down right gorgeous he is. Through a tornado, a MnM convention, and the official game night launch Jo and Felix explore the feelings they have for each other and how to make Ashville, and each other, home.
This was such a fantastic journey of a book. The elements of TTRPGs were woven in so well that both fans and strangers to TTRPGs can enjoy the game elements but also enjoy the romance. I'm obsessed with the pacing of this book. The pace that Jo and Felix fall for each other and how their relationship unfolds was incredibly realistic given what we know about each character and where they are at in their life. The spice was STEAMING. Truly some of the best romance I've read in a while. The character development that both Jo and Felix go through is also hopeful and touching but not too heavy handed. This book rolled a Nat 20.
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