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Single Player
Two video game creators go head-to-head in this delightful, queer enemies-to-lovers workplace romance debut.
Cat Li cares about two things: video games and swoony romances. The former means there hasn't been much of the latter in her (real) life, but when she lands her dream job writing the love storylines for Compass Hollow—the next big thing in games—she knows it’s all been worth it. Then she meets her boss: the infamous Andi Zhang, who’s not only an arrogant hater of happily-ever-afters determined to keep Cat from doing her job but also impossibly, annoyingly hot.
As Compass Hollow’s narrative director, Andi couldn’t care less about love—in-game or out. After getting doxxed by internet trolls three years ago, Andi’s been trying to prove to the gaming world that they’re a serious gamedev. Their plan includes writing the best game possible, with zero lovey-dovey stuff. That is, until the man funding the game’s development insists Andi add romance in order to make the story “more appealing to female gamers.”
Forced to give Cat a chance, Andi begrudgingly realizes there’s more to Cat than romantic idealism and, okay, a cute smile. But admitting that would mean giving up the single-player life that has kept their heart safe for years. And when Cat uncovers a behind-the-scenes plan to destroy Andi’s career, the two will have to put their differences aside and find a way to work together before it’s game over.
Cat Li cares about two things: video games and swoony romances. The former means there hasn't been much of the latter in her (real) life, but when she lands her dream job writing the love storylines for Compass Hollow—the next big thing in games—she knows it’s all been worth it. Then she meets her boss: the infamous Andi Zhang, who’s not only an arrogant hater of happily-ever-afters determined to keep Cat from doing her job but also impossibly, annoyingly hot.
As Compass Hollow’s narrative director, Andi couldn’t care less about love—in-game or out. After getting doxxed by internet trolls three years ago, Andi’s been trying to prove to the gaming world that they’re a serious gamedev. Their plan includes writing the best game possible, with zero lovey-dovey stuff. That is, until the man funding the game’s development insists Andi add romance in order to make the story “more appealing to female gamers.”
Forced to give Cat a chance, Andi begrudgingly realizes there’s more to Cat than romantic idealism and, okay, a cute smile. But admitting that would mean giving up the single-player life that has kept their heart safe for years. And when Cat uncovers a behind-the-scenes plan to destroy Andi’s career, the two will have to put their differences aside and find a way to work together before it’s game over.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 7, 2025
82 people are currently reading
10718 people want to read
About the author
Tara Tai
1 book96 followersTara Tai is an Asian American writer living in Boston, where they spend most of their time playing TTRPGs and romancing video game NPCs. They hold degrees from Harvard University and Harvard Business School. When they're not lost in imaginary worlds, they are annoying their wife Audrey and dog Gingko. Single Player is their debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 639 reviews
October 8, 2024
Who want's to read a sapphic enemies-to-lovers game dev workplace romance packed with a ton of nerdy references and a side dish of fake dating?
MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
To be honest, I was just browsing NetGalley for some silly little summer romance reads when I stumbled upon this and started reading it not expecting anything, but this was sosososososo good!!! I am in love.
I laughed, I cried, I blushed, I giggled, I felt ALLL the feelings. Read it in one sitting.
The characters were so REAL and authentic and flawed (in a positive way). Both POVs of the alleged enemies were so plausible and convincing, I could relate to both of them so much.
There was lots of diverse representation in the book (POC, non-binary, asexual representation f.e., also the main characters seem neurodivergent-coded in my opinion, even if that's not stated in the book) and as someone who has touched base with the gaming industry and internet culture itself the whole part about sexism in the field, the doxxing, etc. also felt very authentic.
Maybe there were a TAD too many gaming metaphors from time to time but that's it. That's the only small little tini-tiny baby negative. Go read it!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. For unexpected findings like this I love the platform even more!
MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
To be honest, I was just browsing NetGalley for some silly little summer romance reads when I stumbled upon this and started reading it not expecting anything, but this was sosososososo good!!! I am in love.
I laughed, I cried, I blushed, I giggled, I felt ALLL the feelings. Read it in one sitting.
The characters were so REAL and authentic and flawed (in a positive way). Both POVs of the alleged enemies were so plausible and convincing, I could relate to both of them so much.
There was lots of diverse representation in the book (POC, non-binary, asexual representation f.e., also the main characters seem neurodivergent-coded in my opinion, even if that's not stated in the book) and as someone who has touched base with the gaming industry and internet culture itself the whole part about sexism in the field, the doxxing, etc. also felt very authentic.
Maybe there were a TAD too many gaming metaphors from time to time but that's it. That's the only small little tini-tiny baby negative. Go read it!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. For unexpected findings like this I love the platform even more!
January 17, 2025
Cat is annoying, and Andi is boring...
When you're only "enemies" because of constant miscommunication and misunderstandings, it robs the story of all tension (sexual, romantic, and otherwise). Why would I want to read about two characters who are emotionally immature and cause all their own problems? One clarifying conversation would end this book way sooner.
I just need books to stop saying they're "enemies to lovers" and "grumpy x sunshine" when it's just "awkward coworkers that met on the wrong foot to lovers" and "person who isn't ready for love yet x annoying"
I'm glad that there are going to be people who read this book and feel reflected and represented in it, and its nice to have a relaxing and sweet story featuring a lesbian romance, but cushy and cute should NOTTT equal boring.
When you're only "enemies" because of constant miscommunication and misunderstandings, it robs the story of all tension (sexual, romantic, and otherwise). Why would I want to read about two characters who are emotionally immature and cause all their own problems? One clarifying conversation would end this book way sooner.
I just need books to stop saying they're "enemies to lovers" and "grumpy x sunshine" when it's just "awkward coworkers that met on the wrong foot to lovers" and "person who isn't ready for love yet x annoying"
I'm glad that there are going to be people who read this book and feel reflected and represented in it, and its nice to have a relaxing and sweet story featuring a lesbian romance, but cushy and cute should NOTTT equal boring.
January 8, 2025
In the first few chapters of Single Player, I was on the fence. There were some silly elements, especially when it came to Cat, that felt over the top for me at first. (For example, she thinks, “I feel like an angry potato whenever I’m around Andi.”) Also, she immediately picks a fight with her new boss, which is a stunningly bad decision, especially when that’s apparently out of character for her. I’m glad I stuck with it, though, because Cat—and the story as a whole—really grew on me.
As you’d expect, there are lots of video game references, some explained and some not. We also learn a lot about the plot of the game they’re making, including a few of the romantic subplots. Both Cat and Andi are obviously passionate about video games, and that isn’t just contained to work. Cat even begins to treat dating (someone else) as a video game just for the achievement of being with someone when her parents visit—she may be bad at real-life dating, but she knows how to pick from dialogue options. There’s even some Dungeons and Dragons included, though I wish we had seen more of it!
While I had some hang-ups at the beginning, I ended up really liking this. It can be a little silly or cheesy at times, but it’s fun. I like the dynamic between Cat and Andi as well as the video game references. I was not expecting to tear up at a line that ends with “git gud,” but here we are. I’m only a very casual gamer myself, so I can’t speak to that aspect, but I had a great time with this one.
As you’d expect, there are lots of video game references, some explained and some not. We also learn a lot about the plot of the game they’re making, including a few of the romantic subplots. Both Cat and Andi are obviously passionate about video games, and that isn’t just contained to work. Cat even begins to treat dating (someone else) as a video game just for the achievement of being with someone when her parents visit—she may be bad at real-life dating, but she knows how to pick from dialogue options. There’s even some Dungeons and Dragons included, though I wish we had seen more of it!
While I had some hang-ups at the beginning, I ended up really liking this. It can be a little silly or cheesy at times, but it’s fun. I like the dynamic between Cat and Andi as well as the video game references. I was not expecting to tear up at a line that ends with “git gud,” but here we are. I’m only a very casual gamer myself, so I can’t speak to that aspect, but I had a great time with this one.
August 22, 2024
for they gaymers! And I mean it, this book is full of video games and nerdy references, cosplay and D&D. "Holy Palutena" did not annoy me as much as all the pop references in Here We Go Again but please take that into account when reading, I'm not sure why so many references are all the rage in romance, we could do without.
Cat (she/her), is a video game romance writer, having recently worked on the book equivalent of Hades (Charon's Scythe), she is hired to join the team for the book equivalent of Baldur's Gate III as the executives are pushing for romance arcs to break into the young female demographic. The problem is the project lead: Andi or Andz (they/she) who made a name working on a critically-acclaimed, gritty video game and was harassed and doxxed for not being a white cishet man in the industry. Andi hates romance. They think it's unnecessary, don't like executives meddling, and have a different vision for the project. Cat will need to convince them that her romantic vision for the companions is worth shipping with the game.
Andi is a character that I know some reviewers will hate. She lacks people skills, is abrasive, not good at apologizing, and is clearly aromantic-spectrum (and maybe autistic) coded (not canon just my reading). It's also a character who went through a traumatic doxxing, and has to constantly prove their place in their industry, as an Asian queer trans person, especially when it comes to more gritty and "serious" writing. Andi feels like not everything needs romance, that the aforementioned female gamer demographic doesn't need to be baited into a game by romance storylines, and she knows that her job is a precarious one. They are jaded and suspicious of the rookie who wants to prove her place and change everything. She's also a cool masc with a bike and nice arms if that will sway you?
Meanwhile, Cat is your awkward character (seriously, me on first dates) who wants to make her family happy by (fake) dating a nice girl because they can't bother to value her work. She's a dating sim lover (peep the Dream Daddy or rather Fantasy DILF mention) who struggles with dating but loves her friend and while she can lack confidence, she knows how to find it in times of need.
It's an enemies to lovers (or rather hate to love) that doesn't get solved immediately and requires both characters to grow as people and see each other's side before working together.
Also, the book makes a point of telling you that the Traitor Baru Cormorant is a really good book, and that's enough for five stars
Cat (she/her), is a video game romance writer, having recently worked on the book equivalent of Hades (Charon's Scythe), she is hired to join the team for the book equivalent of Baldur's Gate III as the executives are pushing for romance arcs to break into the young female demographic. The problem is the project lead: Andi or Andz (they/she) who made a name working on a critically-acclaimed, gritty video game and was harassed and doxxed for not being a white cishet man in the industry. Andi hates romance. They think it's unnecessary, don't like executives meddling, and have a different vision for the project. Cat will need to convince them that her romantic vision for the companions is worth shipping with the game.
Andi is a character that I know some reviewers will hate. She lacks people skills, is abrasive, not good at apologizing, and is clearly aromantic-spectrum (and maybe autistic) coded (not canon just my reading). It's also a character who went through a traumatic doxxing, and has to constantly prove their place in their industry, as an Asian queer trans person, especially when it comes to more gritty and "serious" writing. Andi feels like not everything needs romance, that the aforementioned female gamer demographic doesn't need to be baited into a game by romance storylines, and she knows that her job is a precarious one. They are jaded and suspicious of the rookie who wants to prove her place and change everything. She's also a cool masc with a bike and nice arms if that will sway you?
Meanwhile, Cat is your awkward character (seriously, me on first dates) who wants to make her family happy by (fake) dating a nice girl because they can't bother to value her work. She's a dating sim lover (peep the Dream Daddy or rather Fantasy DILF mention) who struggles with dating but loves her friend and while she can lack confidence, she knows how to find it in times of need.
It's an enemies to lovers (or rather hate to love) that doesn't get solved immediately and requires both characters to grow as people and see each other's side before working together.
Also, the book makes a point of telling you that the Traitor Baru Cormorant is a really good book, and that's enough for five stars
June 30, 2024
Hello readers! I wrote this very nerdy and fairly unhinged slow-burn-of-a-rom-com and wanted to drop some content notes as ARCs are going out soon and I'll be excusing myself from this site.
Happy reading, and thank you for spending your time on my words!
Happy reading, and thank you for spending your time on my words!
May 21, 2025
Love a flashback to 10 years ago. Not a flashback IN the book - no, this time the entire book IS the flashback.
Peeves accumulated:
(1) Someone named “Philomena” is called both “Philo” and “Phi”…. Philo like Phil-oh, so Phi like pho? Or Phi like “fee” and therefore Philo like the pastry?
(2) When the “adorable” MC tells her job interviewer & potential future boss that her (own) idea is bad actually, she doesn’t know what she was thinking. How is this dumb bullshit supposed to be cutesy and relatable. (Because it’s clearly supposed to be cutesy and relatable!)
(3) This excerpt, from the first chapter in the ~intimidating~ ~rude~ MC’s POV:
“I exhale a sigh of relief. ‘Thanks Carter, good work. Although for the record, I’m not ‘diverse.’ I’m just me. Let’s both keep an eye on Ainsley next time, yeah?’ He ducks his head and leaves, giving me the space I need to talk my heart down from leaping out of my chest.”
If this character is this much of a pushover in chapter 2, I don’t even want to KNOW what comes next. (But I told myself I’d give both POVs another try…)
(4) The way the total lack of professionalism in this video game tech company workplace is described as….. exciting. Entertaining. Fun! You’re so right, the bad guy is probably the single white male exec, and NOT the broader toxic workplace! The workplace is totally fine guys, if your boss jokes about you “boinking” a reporter who’s now harassing you at your workplace, it’s totally fine as long as your boss is a Black woman, right??
(5) Here’s the thing…. Why is the mean MC (the butch MC, the nonbinary MC) the victim of (a) sexual harassment by male coworker (b) harassment by one-night-stand reporter (c) mean ex who doesn’t understand emotional trauma, oh and (d) widespread harassment by all the misogynists on the internet?
(6) Insane btw that as far as I can tell from two-ish chapters into a romance where one of the MCs’ backstories is basically “gamergate victim,” the female reporter is shaping up to be one of the… villains? Yes this book is Silicon Valley-pilled to an unfathomable degree.
(7) The cutesy MC complains to her roommate about being asked by the mean MC to print some stuff out - and the scene ends by her almost forgetting the printouts in her apartment… wunh wunh.
Bc she printed them out at home? (A) does this girl have a home printer?? I’ll allow it, but only bc she used to be an accountant. So then (B) this girl (i) has home printer access from her work device (cybersecurity?? anyone??) and chose to (ii) use her home printer ink & quickly depreciating home printer machinery instead of the work printer so that she could (iii) carry the printouts into work, overworking her shoulders with a heavy work bag and probably getting printout edges creased in the process?? And then (iv) she almost forgot them too? The level of un-reality and/or unprofessionalism is wild.
(8) Extremely funny tho that I flipped to the acknowledgements (“End Credits”) and they start like this: “Hello, completionists! If you read any words in this book, read these, as they’re the most important ones.” …..ARE THEY?
Oh no wait it’s bc it’s not actually about doing something worthwhile that benefits the people & world around you (writing a book), it’s about your individual self-actualization (being able to talk about how you’ve written a book). Yep we’re girlbossing all the way down.
…….
I just thought that we as a culture might be past the pronouns as the new diet culture, performatively inclusive/practically dystopian, “tall king Biden” (or whatever) mindset…….. but I guess I didn’t account for the tradpub publishing timeline. I hope that’s the explanation, anyway.
I told myself I would give both POVs another shot. Unfortunately I’m finally back to the mean MC’s POV and it’s nonstop sob story, but like, if nothing that bad had ever happened to you. “My mom had to raise me all by herself, in the nineties no less”……….. DNF @ 10%.
Peeves accumulated:
(1) Someone named “Philomena” is called both “Philo” and “Phi”…. Philo like Phil-oh, so Phi like pho? Or Phi like “fee” and therefore Philo like the pastry?
(2) When the “adorable” MC tells her job interviewer & potential future boss that her (own) idea is bad actually, she doesn’t know what she was thinking. How is this dumb bullshit supposed to be cutesy and relatable. (Because it’s clearly supposed to be cutesy and relatable!)
(3) This excerpt, from the first chapter in the ~intimidating~ ~rude~ MC’s POV:
“I exhale a sigh of relief. ‘Thanks Carter, good work. Although for the record, I’m not ‘diverse.’ I’m just me. Let’s both keep an eye on Ainsley next time, yeah?’ He ducks his head and leaves, giving me the space I need to talk my heart down from leaping out of my chest.”
If this character is this much of a pushover in chapter 2, I don’t even want to KNOW what comes next. (But I told myself I’d give both POVs another try…)
(4) The way the total lack of professionalism in this video game tech company workplace is described as….. exciting. Entertaining. Fun! You’re so right, the bad guy is probably the single white male exec, and NOT the broader toxic workplace! The workplace is totally fine guys, if your boss jokes about you “boinking” a reporter who’s now harassing you at your workplace, it’s totally fine as long as your boss is a Black woman, right??
(5) Here’s the thing…. Why is the mean MC (the butch MC, the nonbinary MC) the victim of (a) sexual harassment by male coworker (b) harassment by one-night-stand reporter (c) mean ex who doesn’t understand emotional trauma, oh and (d) widespread harassment by all the misogynists on the internet?
(6) Insane btw that as far as I can tell from two-ish chapters into a romance where one of the MCs’ backstories is basically “gamergate victim,” the female reporter is shaping up to be one of the… villains? Yes this book is Silicon Valley-pilled to an unfathomable degree.
(7) The cutesy MC complains to her roommate about being asked by the mean MC to print some stuff out - and the scene ends by her almost forgetting the printouts in her apartment… wunh wunh.
Bc she printed them out at home? (A) does this girl have a home printer?? I’ll allow it, but only bc she used to be an accountant. So then (B) this girl (i) has home printer access from her work device (cybersecurity?? anyone??) and chose to (ii) use her home printer ink & quickly depreciating home printer machinery instead of the work printer so that she could (iii) carry the printouts into work, overworking her shoulders with a heavy work bag and probably getting printout edges creased in the process?? And then (iv) she almost forgot them too? The level of un-reality and/or unprofessionalism is wild.
(8) Extremely funny tho that I flipped to the acknowledgements (“End Credits”) and they start like this: “Hello, completionists! If you read any words in this book, read these, as they’re the most important ones.” …..ARE THEY?
Oh no wait it’s bc it’s not actually about doing something worthwhile that benefits the people & world around you (writing a book), it’s about your individual self-actualization (being able to talk about how you’ve written a book). Yep we’re girlbossing all the way down.
…….
I just thought that we as a culture might be past the pronouns as the new diet culture, performatively inclusive/practically dystopian, “tall king Biden” (or whatever) mindset…….. but I guess I didn’t account for the tradpub publishing timeline. I hope that’s the explanation, anyway.
I told myself I would give both POVs another shot. Unfortunately I’m finally back to the mean MC’s POV and it’s nonstop sob story, but like, if nothing that bad had ever happened to you. “My mom had to raise me all by herself, in the nineties no less”……….. DNF @ 10%.
June 28, 2025
I can see how this might appeal to some people but it just wasn't working for me. I failed to see why these two characters were in love, there just wasn't any tension or chemistry. Yes I understand that this is supposed to be relaxing with low stakes and I eat up books like that sometimes but this one was boring.
I do not find plain stupidity to be quirky and that was what Cat was most of the time, STUPID!! It was frustrating to read. The side characters weren't any better, I didn't find a single one of them interesting.
I'm giving it two stars because I did like the DND aspects and the writing itself was quick and easy to get through
I do not find plain stupidity to be quirky and that was what Cat was most of the time, STUPID!! It was frustrating to read. The side characters weren't any better, I didn't find a single one of them interesting.
I'm giving it two stars because I did like the DND aspects and the writing itself was quick and easy to get through
June 24, 2025
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
▹Format: 🎧Audiobook
▹TL;DR Review: Not quite for me, but I see the appeal.
─────────────────────────
💬 Summary:
Cat, a romance writer, lands her dream job creating swoony storylines for a popular video game. But sparks fly (and not the romantic kind) between her and new boss Andi.
Andi, who is nonbinary and would rather code bugs than love stories, soon finds that Cat is now dating Andi’s ex. Awks! But there’s more to it than what it seems.
Cat’s relationship is surface-level. But what’s worse is that there are workplace politics that uncover a plan to sabotage one of their careers.
Can Cat break Andi’s hard exterior and get to their gooey center? How will they set aside their differences to ensure equality for all? What is Dungeons and Dragons?
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to expect from this book: ○★○
– Dual first-person POV
– 1-2 spicy scenes
– Cat is on the search for love but can’t move past the “friends” stage
– Andi is rough around the edges, but has a heart of gold
– A lot of gaming references
– Tropes: workplace romance, “enemies” to lovers, slow burn, forced proximity, fake dating
– Triggers: Doxxing, misogyny, sexism, workplace tension, online dating
– Representation: queer, nonbinary, gaming culture, Asian MCs, sapphic romance
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:05 ─────ㅇ─── 2:41
Now Playing: Nintendo Game by Alessia Cara
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
➼ The TV show Mythic Quest
➼ Playing games with your crush
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven——————✧—————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust————————✧———Slow Burn
Sweet——————✧—————Spicy
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
First off, the fact this is a debut novel is amazing. Kudos to Tara Tai for putting this out there. I know it will spark creativity in the gaming culture.
Something about the execution didn’t quite click for me. The romance didn’t land as I’d hoped. The gaming industry setting was a bit much for me—it was rife with detail, which I know some will respect and love, but it was a bit too much for my taste.
I appreciated reading about more diverse characters than I typically do, and the new view into topics like doxing and harassment was eye opening.
▹Format: 🎧Audiobook
▹TL;DR Review: Not quite for me, but I see the appeal.
─────────────────────────
💬 Summary:
Cat, a romance writer, lands her dream job creating swoony storylines for a popular video game. But sparks fly (and not the romantic kind) between her and new boss Andi.
Andi, who is nonbinary and would rather code bugs than love stories, soon finds that Cat is now dating Andi’s ex. Awks! But there’s more to it than what it seems.
Cat’s relationship is surface-level. But what’s worse is that there are workplace politics that uncover a plan to sabotage one of their careers.
Can Cat break Andi’s hard exterior and get to their gooey center? How will they set aside their differences to ensure equality for all? What is Dungeons and Dragons?
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to expect from this book: ○★○
– Dual first-person POV
– 1-2 spicy scenes
– Cat is on the search for love but can’t move past the “friends” stage
– Andi is rough around the edges, but has a heart of gold
– A lot of gaming references
– Tropes: workplace romance, “enemies” to lovers, slow burn, forced proximity, fake dating
– Triggers: Doxxing, misogyny, sexism, workplace tension, online dating
– Representation: queer, nonbinary, gaming culture, Asian MCs, sapphic romance
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:05 ─────ㅇ─── 2:41
Now Playing: Nintendo Game by Alessia Cara
❝Baby, baby, baby, this is getting too crazy; I don't have the training; Baby, baby, baby, this love ain't a game; So we should stop playing❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
➼ The TV show Mythic Quest
➼ Playing games with your crush
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven——————✧—————Plot Driven
Insta Love/Lust————————✧———Slow Burn
Sweet——————✧—————Spicy
Light/Fluffy—————✧——————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
First off, the fact this is a debut novel is amazing. Kudos to Tara Tai for putting this out there. I know it will spark creativity in the gaming culture.
Something about the execution didn’t quite click for me. The romance didn’t land as I’d hoped. The gaming industry setting was a bit much for me—it was rife with detail, which I know some will respect and love, but it was a bit too much for my taste.
I appreciated reading about more diverse characters than I typically do, and the new view into topics like doxing and harassment was eye opening.
June 12, 2025
The good news is you don't have to be a gamer to enjoy this one...but it would definitely help. This queer romance is a sloooooow burn between two defensive and insecure characters, equal parts frustrating and relatable.
Cat Li has quit her "responsible" job to try and make a go of it writing romance in games. She's barely gotten a position at a studio she respects when she runs afoul of her boss - Andi Zhang, who's infamous in the gaming world for coming out as nonbinary onstage at a Con and then getting caught up in controversy and doxxed. Andi does NOT want romance in their game, but the higher-ups demand it. They do everything in their power to avoid and dissuade Cat, but Cat is persistent, and neither one of them can seem to get the other out of their mind. Can they come to some kind of consensus about romance - in-game, and IRL?
Warning to romance readers: it takes a looooong time to get to the part where Cat and Andi are even remotely romance-y with each other. I found this a bit frustrating until the author visited my public library's book club to talk about this book, and they said they were structuring it a bit like a romance in a game itself: it's all challenges until the very end, when you get some payoff.
But never fear, it's not TOTALLY at the end. And there are some cute scenes - Cat and Andi in a cosplay clinch, Cat and Andi playing a fantasy romance game together, and Cat chasing Andi into the mountains (the story is set in Boulder, CO) that make the wait worth it.
It was a bit hard to be in either Cat or Andi's head (they each get perspective chapters) because they are both full of mess! And second-guess themselves all the time. Cat gets wrapped up in a fake dating subplot, and while I appreciate that it doesn't end like most fake dating tropes do, suffice to say there was a LOT going on in this book. I would have loved less in-their-heads angstiness and more direct relating between the two of them.
There are approximately 8,346 gamer references in here, but you can (mostly) get them from context clues. And anyway I love a niche romance, and this one stars queer Asian folx so there are many reasons to support it. It's a unique story for sure, and I'd be interested in what the author does next.
Cat Li has quit her "responsible" job to try and make a go of it writing romance in games. She's barely gotten a position at a studio she respects when she runs afoul of her boss - Andi Zhang, who's infamous in the gaming world for coming out as nonbinary onstage at a Con and then getting caught up in controversy and doxxed. Andi does NOT want romance in their game, but the higher-ups demand it. They do everything in their power to avoid and dissuade Cat, but Cat is persistent, and neither one of them can seem to get the other out of their mind. Can they come to some kind of consensus about romance - in-game, and IRL?
Warning to romance readers: it takes a looooong time to get to the part where Cat and Andi are even remotely romance-y with each other. I found this a bit frustrating until the author visited my public library's book club to talk about this book, and they said they were structuring it a bit like a romance in a game itself: it's all challenges until the very end, when you get some payoff.
But never fear, it's not TOTALLY at the end. And there are some cute scenes - Cat and Andi in a cosplay clinch, Cat and Andi playing a fantasy romance game together, and Cat chasing Andi into the mountains (the story is set in Boulder, CO) that make the wait worth it.
It was a bit hard to be in either Cat or Andi's head (they each get perspective chapters) because they are both full of mess! And second-guess themselves all the time. Cat gets wrapped up in a fake dating subplot, and while I appreciate that it doesn't end like most fake dating tropes do, suffice to say there was a LOT going on in this book. I would have loved less in-their-heads angstiness and more direct relating between the two of them.
There are approximately 8,346 gamer references in here, but you can (mostly) get them from context clues. And anyway I love a niche romance, and this one stars queer Asian folx so there are many reasons to support it. It's a unique story for sure, and I'd be interested in what the author does next.
April 2, 2025
this was so much fun!!!! i loved all the video game references and felt like i could embrace the inner nerd 🤓 i also thought cat and andi were hilarious and they genuinely made me laugh at moments. the workplace romance was soooo good!!!
March 13, 2025
I was excited about this book. The premise of two gay gamers—gaymers—who work together, despise each other, and yet want each other sounded amazing. And it’s a slow-burn? Sign me up. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that my hopes were way too high.
There is a lot I didn’t like about this book, but I feel like my rating suffered the most from the poor pacing. This book had 55 chapters (plus an unnecessary epilogue), and yet, it feels like the story was moving at snail’s pace and absolutely Nothing was happening. Because of this, the tension between the two main characters was just… nonexistent. That also made the ending, when they finally get together, feel very anticlimactic.
Though this book is categorized as a romance, the actual romance feels like a side plot. The plot about the game they’re creating is taking up so much space in the narrative that it completely overshadows the romance and makes it feel like an afterthought. I don’t even think you can call this a slow-burn, since Cat and Andi barely have a single conversation in the first 40 chapters. When they do have a real conversation, it seems like they immediately fall for each other, and all the conflict set up until this moment simply falls away. It felt like they didn’t even know each other.
Cat was insufferable. I don’t think there was a moment in this book when I didn’t find her annoying. Very Jughead Jones “I’m weird, I’m a weirdo” vibes. She also had no real development by the end of the book. They made it seem like she realized she’s a main character and not just an NPC in her own story, and yet I still have to hear her whining about how weird and abnormal she is, because she’s a gamer (which most everyone in this book is, btw.)
Andi was fine as a character. They did get some character development towards the end, which was nice. But, I could’ve done with less brooding.
The other characters were just Tiring, honestly. There were way too many of them—too many names to remember. And somehow they all connected to each other? Oh yes, Cat’s roommate Lou, also works with Sally, who’s Andi’s ex! Andi’s former boss, Jan, is working with her current boss, Brett, who gets engaged to Mandy, Cat’s sorority big (or whatever). Somehow everyone knew everyone, except for me, because I kept forgetting people’s names—and that’s not even including the names of the characters in their game AND their D&D character names. Also, who even cared about Philo and Gabe…. seriously? They kept bringing it up as if i gave even an ounce of a fuck about it.
I understand the book was about gamers, but as a casual gamer, I felt that there were way too many gaming references that flew over my head. That, plus the sometimes cringy millennial writing (fudgicles?), kinda took me out of the story and made me skip paragraphs. Also, what was with all the piss talk? Can’t they just say they’re going to the bathroom, why do I need to hear more?
All in all, this book was not for me. Maybe I’m too much of a “normie.” Lol
(1.5⭐️)
There is a lot I didn’t like about this book, but I feel like my rating suffered the most from the poor pacing. This book had 55 chapters (plus an unnecessary epilogue), and yet, it feels like the story was moving at snail’s pace and absolutely Nothing was happening. Because of this, the tension between the two main characters was just… nonexistent. That also made the ending, when they finally get together, feel very anticlimactic.
Though this book is categorized as a romance, the actual romance feels like a side plot. The plot about the game they’re creating is taking up so much space in the narrative that it completely overshadows the romance and makes it feel like an afterthought. I don’t even think you can call this a slow-burn, since Cat and Andi barely have a single conversation in the first 40 chapters. When they do have a real conversation, it seems like they immediately fall for each other, and all the conflict set up until this moment simply falls away. It felt like they didn’t even know each other.
Cat was insufferable. I don’t think there was a moment in this book when I didn’t find her annoying. Very Jughead Jones “I’m weird, I’m a weirdo” vibes. She also had no real development by the end of the book. They made it seem like she realized she’s a main character and not just an NPC in her own story, and yet I still have to hear her whining about how weird and abnormal she is, because she’s a gamer (which most everyone in this book is, btw.)
Andi was fine as a character. They did get some character development towards the end, which was nice. But, I could’ve done with less brooding.
The other characters were just Tiring, honestly. There were way too many of them—too many names to remember. And somehow they all connected to each other? Oh yes, Cat’s roommate Lou, also works with Sally, who’s Andi’s ex! Andi’s former boss, Jan, is working with her current boss, Brett, who gets engaged to Mandy, Cat’s sorority big (or whatever). Somehow everyone knew everyone, except for me, because I kept forgetting people’s names—and that’s not even including the names of the characters in their game AND their D&D character names. Also, who even cared about Philo and Gabe…. seriously? They kept bringing it up as if i gave even an ounce of a fuck about it.
I understand the book was about gamers, but as a casual gamer, I felt that there were way too many gaming references that flew over my head. That, plus the sometimes cringy millennial writing (fudgicles?), kinda took me out of the story and made me skip paragraphs. Also, what was with all the piss talk? Can’t they just say they’re going to the bathroom, why do I need to hear more?
All in all, this book was not for me. Maybe I’m too much of a “normie.” Lol
(1.5⭐️)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. 😭
As a gamer (listen nothing too intense, but i love me some Zelda & animal crossing ok), I thoroughly enjoyed the references sprinkled throughout in addition to how sexist, homophobic, and racist the gaming industry can be. Overall this was such a fantastic book.
And the romance?? Tara really said “y’all are gonna get a slow burn and you’re gonna like it”. So so good!
Just please do yourself a favorite and read this book!
As a gamer (listen nothing too intense, but i love me some Zelda & animal crossing ok), I thoroughly enjoyed the references sprinkled throughout in addition to how sexist, homophobic, and racist the gaming industry can be. Overall this was such a fantastic book.
And the romance?? Tara really said “y’all are gonna get a slow burn and you’re gonna like it”. So so good!
Just please do yourself a favorite and read this book!
June 16, 2025
CW That I Found: Panic Attacks and Transphobia
I have no idea what any of you are talking about, this was one of the worst books I have ever read. As an avid videogame enjoyed myself, I was excited by the premise, but my excitement quickly ended within the first few chapters our protagonist described herself as an "awkward turtle" completely seriously. I was shocked that this book came out this year with the number of dated references and was even more shocked by the author describing themselves as a gamer because to be honest. It felt like they have never even met a gamer by the way this book describes gamers, I felt like I was being made fun of instead of being part of an in group. I'm shocked Cat didn't talk about leveling up during the sex scene. So, a book being cringy is not the worst thing in the world, I can acknowledge when something is just not my cup of tea but oh my god some things in this book were just horrible. First off, we learn early on that Andi is non-binary and although they use, she/they pronouns they are almost EXCLUSIVELY referred to as she. In fact, the person who tells us their pronouns says they switch back and forth and NEVER REFER TO THEM AS THEY. It makes the moments where asshole characters misgender them way less impactful because the characters we are supposed to like also misgender them/never acknowledge their gender outside of the feminine that they mention multiple times they don't like (when assholes do it that is, if besties or the perfect Cat). The only times it really gets brought up by their supposed friends is to point out how cool it is for them to be non-binary or be working on non-binary characters and storylines. I have friends that use multiple pronouns and have seen how frustrating it is to ONLY be referred to by the pronouns that match their biological sex. The worst thing in this book however has to be comparing being gay to being a nerd. Being outed as a video game player is not the same as being outed as queer. Full stop, end of conversation. I will never be beat to death for liking Fallout and if it were to happen no one would think they were right to do that. QUEER PEOPLE ARE DYING AND PEOPLE DON'T CARE; THESE ARE NOT COMPARABLE THINGS! It is brought up multiple times throughout the novel and even brought up by queer characters. An interesting angle they could have done was talk about the misogyny in the gaming field or the homophobia and transphobia in games. Games that you aren't able to go after same sex love interests even if they are a romanceable NPC, women being shamed no matter what type of game they want to play. There was a lot of potential in this as a premise but literally within the first three chapters I wanted to put it down and never pick it back up, but this was for a reading challenge. I could go on about how bad this book is, talk about the only times Cat's weight is brought up is by describing her as waddling or when she eats, or go into each cringy line that are not only just bad but weren't even funny when they would have been relevant, the absolutely no character development that happens, Cat just being a straight up bitch most of the time but it's supposed to be quirky, storylines that go nowhere, but it's not worth my time or anyone who might read this. I haven't hated a book this bad in a while. I feel bad for lesbian romance people if this is the best they have to read, please don't settle for slop for representation.
I have no idea what any of you are talking about, this was one of the worst books I have ever read. As an avid videogame enjoyed myself, I was excited by the premise, but my excitement quickly ended within the first few chapters our protagonist described herself as an "awkward turtle" completely seriously. I was shocked that this book came out this year with the number of dated references and was even more shocked by the author describing themselves as a gamer because to be honest. It felt like they have never even met a gamer by the way this book describes gamers, I felt like I was being made fun of instead of being part of an in group. I'm shocked Cat didn't talk about leveling up during the sex scene. So, a book being cringy is not the worst thing in the world, I can acknowledge when something is just not my cup of tea but oh my god some things in this book were just horrible. First off, we learn early on that Andi is non-binary and although they use, she/they pronouns they are almost EXCLUSIVELY referred to as she. In fact, the person who tells us their pronouns says they switch back and forth and NEVER REFER TO THEM AS THEY. It makes the moments where asshole characters misgender them way less impactful because the characters we are supposed to like also misgender them/never acknowledge their gender outside of the feminine that they mention multiple times they don't like (when assholes do it that is, if besties or the perfect Cat). The only times it really gets brought up by their supposed friends is to point out how cool it is for them to be non-binary or be working on non-binary characters and storylines. I have friends that use multiple pronouns and have seen how frustrating it is to ONLY be referred to by the pronouns that match their biological sex. The worst thing in this book however has to be comparing being gay to being a nerd. Being outed as a video game player is not the same as being outed as queer. Full stop, end of conversation. I will never be beat to death for liking Fallout and if it were to happen no one would think they were right to do that. QUEER PEOPLE ARE DYING AND PEOPLE DON'T CARE; THESE ARE NOT COMPARABLE THINGS! It is brought up multiple times throughout the novel and even brought up by queer characters. An interesting angle they could have done was talk about the misogyny in the gaming field or the homophobia and transphobia in games. Games that you aren't able to go after same sex love interests even if they are a romanceable NPC, women being shamed no matter what type of game they want to play. There was a lot of potential in this as a premise but literally within the first three chapters I wanted to put it down and never pick it back up, but this was for a reading challenge. I could go on about how bad this book is, talk about the only times Cat's weight is brought up is by describing her as waddling or when she eats, or go into each cringy line that are not only just bad but weren't even funny when they would have been relevant, the absolutely no character development that happens, Cat just being a straight up bitch most of the time but it's supposed to be quirky, storylines that go nowhere, but it's not worth my time or anyone who might read this. I haven't hated a book this bad in a while. I feel bad for lesbian romance people if this is the best they have to read, please don't settle for slop for representation.
June 23, 2025
3.0 Stars Read this book for the last of the seven Goodreads challenges ending June 30. This particular challenge highlighting Pride Month.
This story follows the fairly typical enemies to lovers storyline. No big surprises. For the first half of the book, it was headed for 2 stars as it seemed like the author was trying way too hard to shove as much gamerspeak and current pop culture as possible into a very thin storyline at the expense of developing the characters. I’d have probably DNF at this point if it had not been for the GR challenge. It just felt forced and stupid.
But the second half of the book was great, like the writer finally found her footing. Night and day. The two main characters were finally more developed and backstoried, some interesting storylines developed, and the book took off. I’d give the second half of the book 4 stars.
So averaging it out, 3 stars. if you make it past the annoying brand name dropping and silliness in the first half, this writer makes it worth your while, and you get a pretty decent story by the end, with characters you are rooting for.
This story follows the fairly typical enemies to lovers storyline. No big surprises. For the first half of the book, it was headed for 2 stars as it seemed like the author was trying way too hard to shove as much gamerspeak and current pop culture as possible into a very thin storyline at the expense of developing the characters. I’d have probably DNF at this point if it had not been for the GR challenge. It just felt forced and stupid.
But the second half of the book was great, like the writer finally found her footing. Night and day. The two main characters were finally more developed and backstoried, some interesting storylines developed, and the book took off. I’d give the second half of the book 4 stars.
So averaging it out, 3 stars. if you make it past the annoying brand name dropping and silliness in the first half, this writer makes it worth your while, and you get a pretty decent story by the end, with characters you are rooting for.
February 23, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an alc!
i’ve been really enjoying reading books about gaming developers and gaining an insight to the industry. i was blown away by this queer debut about two gaming developers and the importance of romance in gaming! i also really loved all the fun pop-culture easter eggs.
as for the audio, the narrator did a fantastic job!
i’ve been really enjoying reading books about gaming developers and gaining an insight to the industry. i was blown away by this queer debut about two gaming developers and the importance of romance in gaming! i also really loved all the fun pop-culture easter eggs.
as for the audio, the narrator did a fantastic job!
June 14, 2025
!This was so great!
Contemporary romcom FX romance, gayming focused. Natalie Naudus narrating is always a hit.
I like this trend of turning office romances into nerdy gaming offices - finally! Lingo and convos I can understand! Friday DnD games. I found it fun that this leans into the queer norms. Of course if you're gay, you end up dating/meeting someone else's ex and they of course still hangout platonically.
I must be in my millennial cringe era because Cat (she/her) was OTT but in a "at least she's happy and being her authentic self" kind of way. Let them all be cringe and happy and free.
I liked that Cat couldn't keep up her mask to try and please Andi (she/they), and that she was fired up about something all the time. Finding someone where you just feel like yourself without really knowing why is so great!
I appreciated that with time, Andi started to be vulnerable and let the wall down. Explaining her doxxing and reason for ghosting an ex. The fear of not being able to feel safe in your home. That'll clam you up and have lasting trauma impact. Andi was victim of not being able to explain themselves well and also being more on the serious and quieter side. Miscommunication and both leads interpretation the same interaction differently is the plot.
However, I had so much fun listening. Natalie Naudus is such an excellent narrator. Lots of life and heart added in with the voices. I feel for the leads that internalize a lot. Miscommunication, when done right, is a trope I enjoy.
If you like gayming, don't mind the unhinged 'of course they keep running into each other for plot reasons' romcom writing, are ok with OTT leads at times, and miscommunication trope that causes frustration/anger (not really enemies to lovers), I'd suggest this!
Also very slowburn on the romance (also loved)!
CW for doxxing, sexism, microaggressions galore from cishet white dudes, hostile work environment/retaliation in work setting.
Audio ARC provided by Netgalley.
Contemporary romcom FX romance, gayming focused. Natalie Naudus narrating is always a hit.
I like this trend of turning office romances into nerdy gaming offices - finally! Lingo and convos I can understand! Friday DnD games. I found it fun that this leans into the queer norms. Of course if you're gay, you end up dating/meeting someone else's ex and they of course still hangout platonically.
I must be in my millennial cringe era because Cat (she/her) was OTT but in a "at least she's happy and being her authentic self" kind of way. Let them all be cringe and happy and free.
I liked that Cat couldn't keep up her mask to try and please Andi (she/they), and that she was fired up about something all the time. Finding someone where you just feel like yourself without really knowing why is so great!
I appreciated that with time, Andi started to be vulnerable and let the wall down. Explaining her doxxing and reason for ghosting an ex. The fear of not being able to feel safe in your home. That'll clam you up and have lasting trauma impact. Andi was victim of not being able to explain themselves well and also being more on the serious and quieter side. Miscommunication and both leads interpretation the same interaction differently is the plot.
However, I had so much fun listening. Natalie Naudus is such an excellent narrator. Lots of life and heart added in with the voices. I feel for the leads that internalize a lot. Miscommunication, when done right, is a trope I enjoy.
If you like gayming, don't mind the unhinged 'of course they keep running into each other for plot reasons' romcom writing, are ok with OTT leads at times, and miscommunication trope that causes frustration/anger (not really enemies to lovers), I'd suggest this!
Also very slowburn on the romance (also loved)!
CW for doxxing, sexism, microaggressions galore from cishet white dudes, hostile work environment/retaliation in work setting.
Audio ARC provided by Netgalley.
December 29, 2024
Oh my god I absolutely adored this book! I loved the depth from the main characters to their arcs to how well gaming culture was weaved into the story.
Is there a trope for grumpy x awkward? Because I wouldn’t call Cat sunshine, but she was so accidentally awkward in their early interactions that I became obsessed with them together. It wasn’t like the cringe, second hand embarrassment kind of awkward, but the has me smiling stupidly at my phone and wanting to push them together because I couldn’t get enough of them kind of adorably awkward. (Is that a thing? Idk but it is now 😅)
This story features gaming heavily in the plot, so I was a little nervous. While I do play strategy board games, I know next to nothing about video games (or D&D) and feared things would go over my head, but none of it did! Everything was explained well and I felt fully immersed into this world. I honestly want to join their next D&D campaign 😂
And while I do feel the ending was resolved a little too easily, I also don’t care. I loved these characters and they already have enough to deal with with past traumas and current fears and insecurities, I’m glad they didn’t have to go through a brutal fight against the final boss. I liked that it stayed on the lighter end as far as conflict resolution goes. And I loved the epilogue!
And finally, since I listened to the audiobook, I also want to point out that the narration was excellent. Natalie Naudus brought so much life to the characters and absolutely crushed it.
This is a debut novel so sign me up for whatever Tara Tai writes next!
Pub Date: January 7th, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC.
Is there a trope for grumpy x awkward? Because I wouldn’t call Cat sunshine, but she was so accidentally awkward in their early interactions that I became obsessed with them together. It wasn’t like the cringe, second hand embarrassment kind of awkward, but the has me smiling stupidly at my phone and wanting to push them together because I couldn’t get enough of them kind of adorably awkward. (Is that a thing? Idk but it is now 😅)
This story features gaming heavily in the plot, so I was a little nervous. While I do play strategy board games, I know next to nothing about video games (or D&D) and feared things would go over my head, but none of it did! Everything was explained well and I felt fully immersed into this world. I honestly want to join their next D&D campaign 😂
And while I do feel the ending was resolved a little too easily, I also don’t care. I loved these characters and they already have enough to deal with with past traumas and current fears and insecurities, I’m glad they didn’t have to go through a brutal fight against the final boss. I liked that it stayed on the lighter end as far as conflict resolution goes. And I loved the epilogue!
And finally, since I listened to the audiobook, I also want to point out that the narration was excellent. Natalie Naudus brought so much life to the characters and absolutely crushed it.
This is a debut novel so sign me up for whatever Tara Tai writes next!
Pub Date: January 7th, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC.
July 4, 2025
But how can an almost-smile remind me of music?
It's honestly surprising (and very much a relief) that I enjoyed this as much as I do. It combines a lot of things that I love a lot: sapphic romance, game development, gaming culture, TTRPGs, fandom, workplace romance. But it also has a bunch of core elements that I really don't like, and what's worse, those things weren't mentioned in the blurb. In any other book, I'd have probably been really annoyed about being blindsided by some of my worst romance nitpicks like that. I WAS pretty annoyed. But the things about this that I loved, I loved SO much. This made me giggle and smile so many times.
Cat, avid nerd and gamer, has finally landed her dream job writing for a video game company and their next big AAA title. Andi is the game's narrative director, well known for their work on a previous best-selling game, but after some drama and a lot of harassment, they prefer to lie low in the industry. Cat LOVES romance storylines in video games, and it's what she hopes to do at her new job, but Andi hates romance plots, and is hoping to avoid them in the new game. They get off to a pretty rocky start, but it's not long before feelings blossom. To get the thing I didn't like out of the way: this kinda-sorta involves a love triangle, and I hate love triangles. In the first portion of the book, Cat is either lying or lying by omission to a bunch of people, and that type of thing just stresses me out. It's not fun. Thankfully, it didn't last too long. But then for a pretty big portion of the book, Cat is in a fake relationship with another woman (which Andi thinks is a real relationship). Make no mistake, it was written in a way that mostly worked, and the chemistry and romantic tension between Cat and Andi was still at the forefront at all times. But would I have picked this book up if I'd known there'd be a third person between them for most of the book? Probably not! Misunderstandings like this (especially ones that last so long) just aren't my thing. They make me anxious.
But nevertheless, I ended up enjoying this romance so much. I loved these characters and their romance to pieces. Both Cat and Andi are perhaps difficult characters; not always sympathetic, not always making the best decisions. In the beginning, I was really frustrated with Cat's lies and Andi's standoffishness and borderline meanness. They're both been really unlucky in their love lives, and the way they deal with those emotions aren't always the best. But they both felt like real, imperfect, and ultimately really relatable and loveable people. The enemies to lovers trajectory of their romance had some real bite to it, but I loved the element of them being able to be their authentic selves around each other (especially Cat around Andi). And then there are moments when they're so TENDER with each other and it makes me ache. It gets super swoony. There are lots of serious moments in the book, but it's definitely a rom-com. ("OKAY PRINCESS, TONIGHT YOU EAT WHAT I PUT OUT" made me burst out laughing. When you read it, you'll know.)
And I so so so loved all the little gaming nods and references. Compass Hollow sounds like an RPG I'd legit want to play. (It made me miss Inquisition and reminded me that I still haven't played Veilguard... sigh. I just haven't been able to drum up the enthusiasm for it. I'll get to it eventually.) I am also a person who sobbed about Mass Effect for days. The DILF game was so clearly a wink to Dream Daddy, and made me giggle. I haven't played Zelda, but I know enough about it to get the references. The reference to the music in Journey made me SOFT. And the D&D game made me SO happy, especially that difficult scene later on in the book. I genuinely got so emotional, and I'm really glad that something like it was included. IDK, the fact that the book used so many nerdy references obviously didn't make it good in and of itself, but they all fit so well, and made these characters feel real and personable. It's always been one of my favourite things in books, when characters play video games together. Genuinely so romantic to me. So those scenes were lovely. And the emotional climax of the book, with Cat's quest... I LOVED it.
I will say, the blurb for the book does kinda give you the wrong idea about the trajectory of the plot... some of the things that it mentions don't happen until pretty late. I ended up not minding, but it's worth mentioning. The villains are pretty nasty, and I kinda hope the author writes more in this universe, so we can see them get even more comeuppance.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Natalie Naudus; pure gold, as always. She always does so well with character emotion and expression, and she made Andi and Cat come alive. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this, and I really hope the author writes more like it.
Content warnings:
She tilts her face up toward me, though, like a flower finding the sun. And my body, ever traitorous, inclines.
January 20, 2025
Though I'm not a gamer, I was super intrigued when I heard about Tara Tai's debut novel, Single Player. Sapphic workplace romcom where two video game writers face off to come up with romance plotlines? Count me in! And when I tell you that Single Player is best writing, most endearing characters, and interesting plots I've read in a long time - y'all, I'm being so serious, I cannot believe this book is a debut. Get this on your TBR right now!
The grumpy/sunshine vibes in this book were absolutely immaculate. Andi is so prickly on the outside, but it really is just a hardened shell to protect themself from being hurt yet again. They've gone through so much with family, relationships, and at work, it's no wonder they are closed off and defensive. Though they clash for a good bit of the book, sweet and optimistic Cat really is the perfect person to save Andi from themself. I freaking LOVED Cat, and it made me so sad that she felt so unloveable. And the tension between these two - Andi really is pretty awful to Cat at first, but Cat has some epic clap backs that kept me on the edge of my seat for the inevitable moment where things exploded.
In addition to the slow burn romance, the video game development part of this book was SO INTERESTING to me. I imagine if you ARE a gamer, this book will hit differently - there were definitely some video references that went over my head, but would probably be very fun if you knew them. THAT SAID, the more technical aspects of the story are explained well and are easy to grasp. And if you are a fan of TV shows like Silicon Valley and Mythic Quest (I REALLY am), you are definitely going to enjoy this too (felt like reading a season of one of those shows).
I'm SO glad I took a chance on this one. It's unique and fun, has great enby and Asian American rep, and I think it's really going to resonate with a lot of people. I'm really looking forward to meeting Tara next month for her author talk at All The Tropes here in Atlanta - I'll be leading an author talk with her and I can't wait! So excited to see what she does next!
The grumpy/sunshine vibes in this book were absolutely immaculate. Andi is so prickly on the outside, but it really is just a hardened shell to protect themself from being hurt yet again. They've gone through so much with family, relationships, and at work, it's no wonder they are closed off and defensive. Though they clash for a good bit of the book, sweet and optimistic Cat really is the perfect person to save Andi from themself. I freaking LOVED Cat, and it made me so sad that she felt so unloveable. And the tension between these two - Andi really is pretty awful to Cat at first, but Cat has some epic clap backs that kept me on the edge of my seat for the inevitable moment where things exploded.
In addition to the slow burn romance, the video game development part of this book was SO INTERESTING to me. I imagine if you ARE a gamer, this book will hit differently - there were definitely some video references that went over my head, but would probably be very fun if you knew them. THAT SAID, the more technical aspects of the story are explained well and are easy to grasp. And if you are a fan of TV shows like Silicon Valley and Mythic Quest (I REALLY am), you are definitely going to enjoy this too (felt like reading a season of one of those shows).
I'm SO glad I took a chance on this one. It's unique and fun, has great enby and Asian American rep, and I think it's really going to resonate with a lot of people. I'm really looking forward to meeting Tara next month for her author talk at All The Tropes here in Atlanta - I'll be leading an author talk with her and I can't wait! So excited to see what she does next!
May 3, 2025
The limit of my gaming knowledge is playing Fortnite five times in total and I still got to follow the story.
This fluffy cute sapphic romance is not only for the gaming sapphics but anyone else willing to sit through a soft slow burn filled with interesting plot twists that are hinted in the summary.
I liked it a lot and will read it again in the future since a lot of games are mentioned including cosplays and events I have no idea about because the nerdy community should always know a little bit about each other.
This fluffy cute sapphic romance is not only for the gaming sapphics but anyone else willing to sit through a soft slow burn filled with interesting plot twists that are hinted in the summary.
I liked it a lot and will read it again in the future since a lot of games are mentioned including cosplays and events I have no idea about because the nerdy community should always know a little bit about each other.
February 18, 2025
Some books capture your heart from the word go and Single Player is one of them. It's a queer workplace enemies to lovers romance featuring two video game creators and I loved it. Both the characters have been written so well and I loved their interaction and slow development of friendship and romance. The video game elements were really good. I always like reading about characters who work in industries that aren't talked about much in books. So that was a bonus. I also liked the fact that apart from romance, we had other things going on which played an important role in the overall story. Highly recommended.
January 27, 2025
4.5 What a cute book, set in the world of video games, our main characters are forced to work together to write a video game narrative Cat who is there to write a romance storyline into the game, and Andi who is anti-romance because they have been burned by romance in the past. My favorite part about this story is that it felt authentic how Andi and Cat react to many situations happening to them. It was nerdy in the best way possible. The audiobook narration by Natalie Naudes was amazing. Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for an Audio ARC for a chance to read this book for an honest review.
dnf
December 30, 2025dnf @ 28% cat’s insufferable and andi is mean as hell all their interactions are misunderstandings and it’s so annoying idc about their relationship. the game references are dated and every chapter from cat’s pov gives ☝🏼🤓
January 2, 2025
Content warnings: mentions of past doxxing, alcohol consumption, sexism and misogyny, implied cheating (no cheating was actually done, but it's iffy to explain without spoiling the plot).
Rep: Cat is cis, Asian-American, and lesbian. Andi is not cis (it's not really explained?) uses she/they pronouns (though the they is very often forgotten) and is lesbian (I think?) and Asian-American. Side queer and side POC characters.
So I feel like I should have loved this one more. It's more of a 3.5 star read for me, but I've rounded it up.
I was THIS close to DNFing this book as I had no idea why I was supposed to give a shit about Andi and their kind of vicious grumpiness.
I enjoyed Cat's !!! ness. It was a hoot to listen to.
I don't know, there was just something missing from this one for me. Which is sad.
Rep: Cat is cis, Asian-American, and lesbian. Andi is not cis (it's not really explained?) uses she/they pronouns (though the they is very often forgotten) and is lesbian (I think?) and Asian-American. Side queer and side POC characters.
So I feel like I should have loved this one more. It's more of a 3.5 star read for me, but I've rounded it up.
I was THIS close to DNFing this book as I had no idea why I was supposed to give a shit about Andi and their kind of vicious grumpiness.
I enjoyed Cat's !!! ness. It was a hoot to listen to.
I don't know, there was just something missing from this one for me. Which is sad.
July 30, 2024
Thank you, Alcove Press, for the advance reading copy.
I absolutely LOVE this workplace “enemies” to lovers romance!
Cat loves gaming and is a huge nerd. She would love writing romance storylines in the upcoming gaming world of “Compass Hollow”. That’s where she meets Andi, the narrative director of Compass Hollow. And well….they start off pretty heated!
I love how genuine both the lead characters are.
I would say the first half is really good! The romance build up is strong almost to the point of me getting hazy and swooning.
Their chemistry is hot!
But I would say when it comes to the actual getting together in the second half, it isn’t as amazing hot I expected it to be.
Nevertheless, a fun entertaining read and I would surely recommend!
I absolutely LOVE this workplace “enemies” to lovers romance!
Cat loves gaming and is a huge nerd. She would love writing romance storylines in the upcoming gaming world of “Compass Hollow”. That’s where she meets Andi, the narrative director of Compass Hollow. And well….they start off pretty heated!
I love how genuine both the lead characters are.
I would say the first half is really good! The romance build up is strong almost to the point of me getting hazy and swooning.
Their chemistry is hot!
But I would say when it comes to the actual getting together in the second half, it isn’t as amazing hot I expected it to be.
Nevertheless, a fun entertaining read and I would surely recommend!
January 22, 2025
This was a really fun dual POV Sapphic grumpy x sunshine coworker romance debut that sees two women videogame designers forced to work together to come up with some new romantic storylines.
Amazing on audio narrated by my very fav, Natalie Naudus, this had great women in STEM rep, lots of D&D gameplay, a cast of diverse, queer characters and the exact right amount of spice.
Perfect for fans of authors like Cathy Yardley or Jeevani Charika or anyone who enjoys a good videogamer romcom. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Amazing on audio narrated by my very fav, Natalie Naudus, this had great women in STEM rep, lots of D&D gameplay, a cast of diverse, queer characters and the exact right amount of spice.
Perfect for fans of authors like Cathy Yardley or Jeevani Charika or anyone who enjoys a good videogamer romcom. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 2, 2025
Author referenced Fortnite incorrectly, and for a book that centered about video games, it really took me out of it
June 30, 2025
I'm feeling generous...
My first reaction to this book did not fill me with much optimism, the first chapter alone contained such an eye-roll worthy amount of clunky introductions, performative inclusion and - there's no other word for it - cringe video game references, I was sure I was in for a disaster... But you know what, I kept reading and the book got better. I ended up feeling quite invested in this story and enjoying aspects of it.
I think some problems stem from a sort of indecisiveness in narrative choices. Sometimes the author writes as if the audience knows absolutely nothing about video games and couldn't possibly infer stuff from context (Do we need it explained that Cat "having no Gs" is gamer speak for being broke, lol), and sometimes the description become much more comfortable and true to life. I went back and forth between feeling really condescended to as a casual gamer myself, and appreciating the discussions surrounding games that this book introduced. It was a bit reference heavy, down to details like Cat writing dialogue for a game that's totally-not-Hades and later bying and playing a dating sim that's totally-not-Dream-Daddy. Some topics like diversity in gaming etc I feel were treated on quite a surface level or stating the obvious (especially considering the target audience here), but occassionally went somewhere deeper, which I liked and wanted more of.
3 stars is a rather decent rating in my books and I'm giving it here because there were more things that worked for me in the end or surprised me positively. I really did become invested in the plot of the two MCs writing romance options for their game and saving it from the publisher's intentions, it had decent stakes and it was believable. The romance itself - I liked that it was slow and happened more towards the end, therefore AVOIDING THE THIRD ACT BREAKUP. This is so rare, I have to applaud this decision! The way Cat and Andi's relationship developed was actually rather satisfying and felt natural. More focused on them as people instead of fulfilling the genre's cliches. The book also didn't fall into misrepresenting lesbians or being stereotypical which I usually have to endure all the time while reading sapphic romance so this is a breath of fresh air.
All in all, a pleasant surprise. Took some getting over the millenial-type references, but I'll def give this author a chance in the future.
My first reaction to this book did not fill me with much optimism, the first chapter alone contained such an eye-roll worthy amount of clunky introductions, performative inclusion and - there's no other word for it - cringe video game references, I was sure I was in for a disaster... But you know what, I kept reading and the book got better. I ended up feeling quite invested in this story and enjoying aspects of it.
I think some problems stem from a sort of indecisiveness in narrative choices. Sometimes the author writes as if the audience knows absolutely nothing about video games and couldn't possibly infer stuff from context (Do we need it explained that Cat "having no Gs" is gamer speak for being broke, lol), and sometimes the description become much more comfortable and true to life. I went back and forth between feeling really condescended to as a casual gamer myself, and appreciating the discussions surrounding games that this book introduced. It was a bit reference heavy, down to details like Cat writing dialogue for a game that's totally-not-Hades and later bying and playing a dating sim that's totally-not-Dream-Daddy. Some topics like diversity in gaming etc I feel were treated on quite a surface level or stating the obvious (especially considering the target audience here), but occassionally went somewhere deeper, which I liked and wanted more of.
3 stars is a rather decent rating in my books and I'm giving it here because there were more things that worked for me in the end or surprised me positively. I really did become invested in the plot of the two MCs writing romance options for their game and saving it from the publisher's intentions, it had decent stakes and it was believable. The romance itself - I liked that it was slow and happened more towards the end, therefore AVOIDING THE THIRD ACT BREAKUP. This is so rare, I have to applaud this decision! The way Cat and Andi's relationship developed was actually rather satisfying and felt natural. More focused on them as people instead of fulfilling the genre's cliches. The book also didn't fall into misrepresenting lesbians or being stereotypical which I usually have to endure all the time while reading sapphic romance so this is a breath of fresh air.
All in all, a pleasant surprise. Took some getting over the millenial-type references, but I'll def give this author a chance in the future.
March 16, 2025
4.5⭐️ cute & nerdy. Can’t go wrong with that 🎮
April 9, 2025
4⭐️
RTC!
RTC!
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