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Good Game
Sam O’Brian might be blasting her way up the pro computer-gaming charts, but her dislike of the spotlight and her baggy clothes, undercut hair, and queer vibe make her a hard sell as a poster girl.
Enter polished marketing executive Lauren Johanssen—ambitious, driven, and a people pleaser. Her new company wants to recruit Sam for its local eSports gaming team to fix their boys’ club image. They also want Lauren to pretty up Sam’s look to appeal to the masses.
While Lauren’s up for a challenge, the more she’s pushed to change Sam, the more she likes her just as she is. She’s sworn never to date a professional gamer again, but she might be falling for the guarded, sweet gamer who still lives with her dad.
An opposites attract lesbian romance about defying expectations and being true to yourself.
Content sexism, homophobia, and racism
Enter polished marketing executive Lauren Johanssen—ambitious, driven, and a people pleaser. Her new company wants to recruit Sam for its local eSports gaming team to fix their boys’ club image. They also want Lauren to pretty up Sam’s look to appeal to the masses.
While Lauren’s up for a challenge, the more she’s pushed to change Sam, the more she likes her just as she is. She’s sworn never to date a professional gamer again, but she might be falling for the guarded, sweet gamer who still lives with her dad.
An opposites attract lesbian romance about defying expectations and being true to yourself.
Content sexism, homophobia, and racism
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 11, 2025
10 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 26, 2025
3,5 stars
a solid read, but I'm really not into computer games, so that definitely coloured my judgement.
Plus I work in a male dominated field, so I prefer a bit less sexism and misogyny in my fiction. Not that what the MCs faced wasn't realistic, it really was, but I already live it, so I don't necessarily need it present in my belletry as well. Realisticsm be damned.
I didn't tag it as sports, because I personally believe neither computer games nor chess qualify as sport. It's my sorting system, I can do what I want.
a solid read, but I'm really not into computer games, so that definitely coloured my judgement.
Plus I work in a male dominated field, so I prefer a bit less sexism and misogyny in my fiction. Not that what the MCs faced wasn't realistic, it really was, but I already live it, so I don't necessarily need it present in my belletry as well. Realisticsm be damned.
I didn't tag it as sports, because I personally believe neither computer games nor chess qualify as sport. It's my sorting system, I can do what I want.
April 9, 2025
Very Empowering!
Sam gets the opportunity to become a pro-gamer but it comes with a price she doesn’t enjoy having to pay to be their poster girl for gaming. Lauren is a marketing executive for the gaming company tasked with looking after Sam and making her conform to the company’s wishes but that doesn’t sit very well with her when she really gets to know Sam.
This was something very different that was also exploring social challenges women face when they don’t fit society norms of being and looking like a girl. It also cleverly covered the ethical challenges with being into industries and hobbies that also do not fit those stereotypes. It drove how as women we are often expected to change to get opportunities where men wouldn’t and I love how Sam and Lauren both wanted to rebel against this but also knew their own power if they went along with it until their position was stronger to challenge it. I really felt compelled to support them on their mission.
I really liked Lauren and Sam together. They had a natural comfortableness around each other but at the same time held back and worried what each other were thinking. Sam’s hesitance was focused on her lack of self-esteem that someone like Lauren would be interested in her, whereas Lauren’s worries were more professional and whether she was crossing lines that would harm Sam’s place in the pro-gaming competition and appear as if she were taking advantage. I admired her dedication to Sam in all her decisions and hoped her career wouldn’t get in the way of them exploring something truly great!
A lovely romance with some fun, but also important messages and much empowerment.
Sam gets the opportunity to become a pro-gamer but it comes with a price she doesn’t enjoy having to pay to be their poster girl for gaming. Lauren is a marketing executive for the gaming company tasked with looking after Sam and making her conform to the company’s wishes but that doesn’t sit very well with her when she really gets to know Sam.
This was something very different that was also exploring social challenges women face when they don’t fit society norms of being and looking like a girl. It also cleverly covered the ethical challenges with being into industries and hobbies that also do not fit those stereotypes. It drove how as women we are often expected to change to get opportunities where men wouldn’t and I love how Sam and Lauren both wanted to rebel against this but also knew their own power if they went along with it until their position was stronger to challenge it. I really felt compelled to support them on their mission.
I really liked Lauren and Sam together. They had a natural comfortableness around each other but at the same time held back and worried what each other were thinking. Sam’s hesitance was focused on her lack of self-esteem that someone like Lauren would be interested in her, whereas Lauren’s worries were more professional and whether she was crossing lines that would harm Sam’s place in the pro-gaming competition and appear as if she were taking advantage. I admired her dedication to Sam in all her decisions and hoped her career wouldn’t get in the way of them exploring something truly great!
A lovely romance with some fun, but also important messages and much empowerment.
February 20, 2025
I received an ARC of from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book is a slow-burn lesbian romance set in the world of professional gaming. It follows Sam, an androgynous-looking rising esports star, and Lauren, a marketing executive who’s been told by her shithead CEO that Sam “looks too much like a guy” to be their poster girl. As their romance develops, the story also tackles the very real toxicity that women in gaming face - verbal abuse, harassment, and the constant stream of rape or death threats - and tries to consider what we and gaming companies can do to help.
I really enjoyed the romance itself - it was sweet, and I liked watching Sam and Lauren’s relationship grow. The dynamic between Sam and some of the nicer players was also a highlight, especially as she worked to prove herself to the sexist ones. However, the book sometimes felt like it was trying to explain gaming to non-gamers in ways that felt a bit awkward to me as a gamer. The male characters, in particular, came across as over-the-top caricatures of sexist gamers. I get that it was probably done to heighten the stakes, but some of the dialogue actually made me laugh and pulled me out of the story.
Overall, I did enjoy this! It was cute, and it was nice to read something adjacent to my interests. I’d rate this 3.5 stars, but since Goodreads doesn’t allow half-stars, I’m rounding up to 4. If you’re into the idea of a gamer romance, this is for you.
This book is a slow-burn lesbian romance set in the world of professional gaming. It follows Sam, an androgynous-looking rising esports star, and Lauren, a marketing executive who’s been told by her shithead CEO that Sam “looks too much like a guy” to be their poster girl. As their romance develops, the story also tackles the very real toxicity that women in gaming face - verbal abuse, harassment, and the constant stream of rape or death threats - and tries to consider what we and gaming companies can do to help.
I really enjoyed the romance itself - it was sweet, and I liked watching Sam and Lauren’s relationship grow. The dynamic between Sam and some of the nicer players was also a highlight, especially as she worked to prove herself to the sexist ones. However, the book sometimes felt like it was trying to explain gaming to non-gamers in ways that felt a bit awkward to me as a gamer. The male characters, in particular, came across as over-the-top caricatures of sexist gamers. I get that it was probably done to heighten the stakes, but some of the dialogue actually made me laugh and pulled me out of the story.
Overall, I did enjoy this! It was cute, and it was nice to read something adjacent to my interests. I’d rate this 3.5 stars, but since Goodreads doesn’t allow half-stars, I’m rounding up to 4. If you’re into the idea of a gamer romance, this is for you.
April 25, 2025
The concept of Good Game sounded so interesting to me as a woman who has always loved video games. Growing up, I was very aware of how women are seen in gaming, especially watching my brother play Call of Duty. The author portrayed the realities of how women are seen in male dominated spaces really well in my opinion, from the way Lauren is treated in the marketing meetings, to the vitriol Sam faces just for playing the game. The way the men in the book acted was infuriating, but very real. The conclusion of the story helped give some ideas for ways to fix a huge issue for girls getting into gaming and I really appreciated the approach the author took.
That being said, I feel like I enjoyed Sam’s story of going pro and preserving through the hate she was getting more than the romance. It felt like the characters only had a physical connection for most of the book and didn’t have a lot of chemistry. Sam was such an interesting, well rounded character while Lauren felt a little flat. I did like that Lauren was a good listener to Sam and ended up sticking up for her in the end, but once again all Lauren really talked about was her physical attraction to Sam and the nice things Sam did for her. I also felt like the ending came out of nowhere and I didn’t really feel like it was needed.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. The competition scenes were fun and Sam’s story kept me interested to the end. The author included some representation that I feel isn’t talked about much with Sam’s dad and the issues she brought up within the gaming community felt real. The only thing that could have been better was a deeper connection between the love interests. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for providing me with the e-ARC of this book.
That being said, I feel like I enjoyed Sam’s story of going pro and preserving through the hate she was getting more than the romance. It felt like the characters only had a physical connection for most of the book and didn’t have a lot of chemistry. Sam was such an interesting, well rounded character while Lauren felt a little flat. I did like that Lauren was a good listener to Sam and ended up sticking up for her in the end, but once again all Lauren really talked about was her physical attraction to Sam and the nice things Sam did for her. I also felt like the ending came out of nowhere and I didn’t really feel like it was needed.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. The competition scenes were fun and Sam’s story kept me interested to the end. The author included some representation that I feel isn’t talked about much with Sam’s dad and the issues she brought up within the gaming community felt real. The only thing that could have been better was a deeper connection between the love interests. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books for providing me with the e-ARC of this book.
June 29, 2025
Sam has been a computer gamer since a young age. She lived most of her youth with her grandparents after the death of her mother, and while her father was away on active duty in the US military. Now she is a massage therapist by day, and an online gamer after work. The team of Sam, her best friend Jarek, and her online friend Olivia get asked to attend a gaming conference in person, where surprisingly they win to become the world champion amateur team at new game Seige Encounter.
Lauren works as a PR person for Baltimore Barrage, a company fielding professional teams in many games, and she puts up with a great amount of sexist abuse being one of few women in a male dominated business. When she sees amateur top rated Sam at the gaming tournament she does everything she can to get her to join their professional Seige Encounter team.
This is a story about the attraction between Sam and Lauren, and their subsequent romance. However the story is equally about the horrific online abuse female players get from (mostly male) followers of the games. Sick sexist, racist and homophobic abuse. It is after Sam gets abuse like this, Lauren helps her deal with it. Then together they begin to change the online gaming attitude with the help of Augustan Gaming, the founders of Seige Encounter and other big name games.
This is quite a complicated storyline, to remember all the gaming terms for someone like me who knew nothing about it. But once I got into it, the storyline is mesmerising, and the tension during the games was good. In some ways the romance took a back seat to that, which I enjoyed, not having a typical romance-only story.
Lauren works as a PR person for Baltimore Barrage, a company fielding professional teams in many games, and she puts up with a great amount of sexist abuse being one of few women in a male dominated business. When she sees amateur top rated Sam at the gaming tournament she does everything she can to get her to join their professional Seige Encounter team.
This is a story about the attraction between Sam and Lauren, and their subsequent romance. However the story is equally about the horrific online abuse female players get from (mostly male) followers of the games. Sick sexist, racist and homophobic abuse. It is after Sam gets abuse like this, Lauren helps her deal with it. Then together they begin to change the online gaming attitude with the help of Augustan Gaming, the founders of Seige Encounter and other big name games.
This is quite a complicated storyline, to remember all the gaming terms for someone like me who knew nothing about it. But once I got into it, the storyline is mesmerising, and the tension during the games was good. In some ways the romance took a back seat to that, which I enjoyed, not having a typical romance-only story.
March 11, 2025
1.5
This book was such a bummer for me, especially since I was looking forward to it coming out, seeing as I love playing video games...
Let's begin with the fact that I hated all the side characters, and since professional gaming usually consists of being in a team, I was expecting them to bond more with the FML, but that never happened. I also would've liked to see more depth regarding the gaming world; it was barely scratched, but the most disappointing thing about this book was the romance. I just didn't get the chemistry between the two FML; them getting together seemed so rushed, especially with how their relationship turned out at the end; to me, it didn't make sense.
This book was such a bummer for me, especially since I was looking forward to it coming out, seeing as I love playing video games...
Let's begin with the fact that I hated all the side characters, and since professional gaming usually consists of being in a team, I was expecting them to bond more with the FML, but that never happened. I also would've liked to see more depth regarding the gaming world; it was barely scratched, but the most disappointing thing about this book was the romance. I just didn't get the chemistry between the two FML; them getting together seemed so rushed, especially with how their relationship turned out at the end; to me, it didn't make sense.
March 11, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Lauren is a marketing director who trying to get the CEO of the company she works for to invest in recruiting a female gamer who been rising in the gaming industry he set in his ways that boys should be only gamers but she convinced him. Sam is a gamer and does it for fun she a medical massage therapist when ask to join the team she experienced bullies not just from her teammates but from online because of the fact she a woman. Lauren and Sam grow closer as Lauren tries to change the image they only boys should be gamers as Sam rises up. I like that Lauren realizes Sam doesn’t need changing that she great as she is as Sam builds her confidence their romance was cute chemistry was there the author does a great job describing how misogyny the gaming world is.
Lauren is a marketing director who trying to get the CEO of the company she works for to invest in recruiting a female gamer who been rising in the gaming industry he set in his ways that boys should be only gamers but she convinced him. Sam is a gamer and does it for fun she a medical massage therapist when ask to join the team she experienced bullies not just from her teammates but from online because of the fact she a woman. Lauren and Sam grow closer as Lauren tries to change the image they only boys should be gamers as Sam rises up. I like that Lauren realizes Sam doesn’t need changing that she great as she is as Sam builds her confidence their romance was cute chemistry was there the author does a great job describing how misogyny the gaming world is.
April 19, 2025
I received an ARC of Good Game from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book has made me incredibly happy - full disclosure, I'm an esports blogger and former esports journalist and guess what, I'm a girl. I've been there done that and still do it. This is a book I can tell you to read with no reservations whatsoever (in fact I'm going to write a blog on it).
Sam and Lauren's romance is slow, it builds, it is the perfect balance of growing into love - of learning what love is as an adult, of the complexities of being an adult and falling in love. This book literally has it all, I'm not typically so soppy about my career but I wanted to cry with this book. Lenoir nails the slow burn and slow build with the gentle romance and masters esports. Normally when authors attempt to write about esports, they brush over details - Lenoir does no such thing, every detail is accounted for, every detail is planned and mentioned and thought out. Siege Encouter is thought out in detail. Every. Single. Aspect. I cannot praise it enough.
Now, onto the important thing - this book talks about sexism in gaming and esports so well. My personal experience has mercifully been nothing like Sam's, but that doesn't mean I don't know what she's talking about. Lenoir - credit to her - handles it perfectly, at no point does she rose tinted glasses it, she writes exactly what it is and provides a solution as well in the conclusion chapters. I'm also so delighted we see Dylan and Will get their just desserts. The industry has changed, it's changing - and Lenoir denotes it perfectly in ensuring those two don't get away with their blatant sexism. It's testament to what is happening right now in the industry and I cannot praise enough that it was mentioned.
Also a wlw book on esports? I am in literal heaven. When I saw this book I was so excited and although I have a lot of books on the go right now (yes I have book trust issues) - this one got moved to the top of my list. I have been unable to put it down literally and metaphorically - my poor Kindle has taken a battery bashing as a direct result. If you're interested in reading about esports, a cute relationship that is not explicity spicy (thank you Lenoir, I appreciate) and is heart warming and empassioning in all the right ways. Please go and read this.
I really hope Lenoir continues this as a series, I would love to see Perry and Luke in relationships (together or apart I'm not fussy ;) ) and explore the world of esports more as well as other issues that still exist in the industry especially in the player relm - be that professional or ameteur for fun.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for my copy, I am unbelievably sad to have finished the book! I love it so much.
This book has made me incredibly happy - full disclosure, I'm an esports blogger and former esports journalist and guess what, I'm a girl. I've been there done that and still do it. This is a book I can tell you to read with no reservations whatsoever (in fact I'm going to write a blog on it).
Sam and Lauren's romance is slow, it builds, it is the perfect balance of growing into love - of learning what love is as an adult, of the complexities of being an adult and falling in love. This book literally has it all, I'm not typically so soppy about my career but I wanted to cry with this book. Lenoir nails the slow burn and slow build with the gentle romance and masters esports. Normally when authors attempt to write about esports, they brush over details - Lenoir does no such thing, every detail is accounted for, every detail is planned and mentioned and thought out. Siege Encouter is thought out in detail. Every. Single. Aspect. I cannot praise it enough.
Now, onto the important thing - this book talks about sexism in gaming and esports so well. My personal experience has mercifully been nothing like Sam's, but that doesn't mean I don't know what she's talking about. Lenoir - credit to her - handles it perfectly, at no point does she rose tinted glasses it, she writes exactly what it is and provides a solution as well in the conclusion chapters. I'm also so delighted we see Dylan and Will get their just desserts. The industry has changed, it's changing - and Lenoir denotes it perfectly in ensuring those two don't get away with their blatant sexism. It's testament to what is happening right now in the industry and I cannot praise enough that it was mentioned.
Also a wlw book on esports? I am in literal heaven. When I saw this book I was so excited and although I have a lot of books on the go right now (yes I have book trust issues) - this one got moved to the top of my list. I have been unable to put it down literally and metaphorically - my poor Kindle has taken a battery bashing as a direct result. If you're interested in reading about esports, a cute relationship that is not explicity spicy (thank you Lenoir, I appreciate) and is heart warming and empassioning in all the right ways. Please go and read this.
I really hope Lenoir continues this as a series, I would love to see Perry and Luke in relationships (together or apart I'm not fussy ;) ) and explore the world of esports more as well as other issues that still exist in the industry especially in the player relm - be that professional or ameteur for fun.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for my copy, I am unbelievably sad to have finished the book! I love it so much.
March 11, 2025
Good start.
I don’t do gaming and don’t really know anything about it, but this novel is written in an accessible way. I found in the first couple of chapters I identified more with the non gaming main, than the gaming one, but the challenges and vulnerabilities of the gamer, along with her morality and general decency, won me round.
Around 50%, there is interest in both parties but a bit too much “is she even in to me”. For me pacing has slipped slightly. Then there was a section of the mains conversing and I was happy. However, d I know it is deliberately inserted by the writer, every bit of success one main gets is followed by misogynistic abuse. I am finding that quite upsetting. (Well done the writer!)
I am however still a little bit impatient for things to move forward, I think because the abuse and unfair treatment of one main, by others, not the other main isn’t comfortable or pleasant to read (not gratuitous by the writer) so I want to get to the nice bit of the mains getting on! I wasn’t swept up in the mains first time, which is just as well as it was behind closed doors.
I am just not enjoying the stuff around the mains having got together, which is daft, because I was impatient for that plot strand to move forward but….. One main phoning in sick? The other missing a game. Seemed out of character…… and the immediate mind blowing reactions. I think I have fallen a little out of love with the mains….. I’m not quite sure why, maybe because I lost a bit of interest when they were still faffing about?
However, and remember I’m not a gamer, I found the latter gaming section, really quite tense and enjoyable. I was also happy with the happy ending. A 3 but some sections slipped below, and some floated above.
I don’t do gaming and don’t really know anything about it, but this novel is written in an accessible way. I found in the first couple of chapters I identified more with the non gaming main, than the gaming one, but the challenges and vulnerabilities of the gamer, along with her morality and general decency, won me round.
Around 50%, there is interest in both parties but a bit too much “is she even in to me”. For me pacing has slipped slightly. Then there was a section of the mains conversing and I was happy. However, d I know it is deliberately inserted by the writer, every bit of success one main gets is followed by misogynistic abuse. I am finding that quite upsetting. (Well done the writer!)
I am however still a little bit impatient for things to move forward, I think because the abuse and unfair treatment of one main, by others, not the other main isn’t comfortable or pleasant to read (not gratuitous by the writer) so I want to get to the nice bit of the mains getting on! I wasn’t swept up in the mains first time, which is just as well as it was behind closed doors.
I am just not enjoying the stuff around the mains having got together, which is daft, because I was impatient for that plot strand to move forward but….. One main phoning in sick? The other missing a game. Seemed out of character…… and the immediate mind blowing reactions. I think I have fallen a little out of love with the mains….. I’m not quite sure why, maybe because I lost a bit of interest when they were still faffing about?
However, and remember I’m not a gamer, I found the latter gaming section, really quite tense and enjoyable. I was also happy with the happy ending. A 3 but some sections slipped below, and some floated above.
February 26, 2025
I was curious to read this book as it is set in the 'gaming ' world. Although I have have some minor gaming experience I wondered if I would appreciate it. I loved it - and learnt a lot about gaming culture.
Lauren works as PR for a gaming company that has teams of fulltime gamers employed in competitions etc.
Sam is an amateur gamer and a woman. She is selected to join the team - the first woman on the team in a field dominated by men (and boys - people age out of gaming in their 20s apparently).
The boys live in dorms - and Sam can't live with them so she moves in with Lauren. There's more than one bed - but they are in forced, close proximity.
They get closer as we witness the online abuse that Sam is subjected too - especially as she is good - better than a lot of the boys. The trolling isn't just online though - there is a fair amount of misogyny headed he way from the team players and management.
This was really interesting - and must have taken a fair bot of research - opening my eyes to the world of gaming. I'm not at all surprised by the misogynist trolling though.
As the relationship between Lauren and Sam progresses career choices force them geographically apart for a while.
There is no epilogue but the end ties things up nicely with a cute aeroplane surprise.
I enjoyed this book far more than I was expecting so I would recommend it. Although there are a fair amount of 'youths' in the story I would not put this book in a young adult category.
I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review .
Lauren works as PR for a gaming company that has teams of fulltime gamers employed in competitions etc.
Sam is an amateur gamer and a woman. She is selected to join the team - the first woman on the team in a field dominated by men (and boys - people age out of gaming in their 20s apparently).
The boys live in dorms - and Sam can't live with them so she moves in with Lauren. There's more than one bed - but they are in forced, close proximity.
They get closer as we witness the online abuse that Sam is subjected too - especially as she is good - better than a lot of the boys. The trolling isn't just online though - there is a fair amount of misogyny headed he way from the team players and management.
This was really interesting - and must have taken a fair bot of research - opening my eyes to the world of gaming. I'm not at all surprised by the misogynist trolling though.
As the relationship between Lauren and Sam progresses career choices force them geographically apart for a while.
There is no epilogue but the end ties things up nicely with a cute aeroplane surprise.
I enjoyed this book far more than I was expecting so I would recommend it. Although there are a fair amount of 'youths' in the story I would not put this book in a young adult category.
I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, voluntary review .
March 9, 2025
"Good Game” by Suzanne Lenoir is a sweet romance novel featuring Sam, a gamer, and Lauren, an exec for a gaming company. Lauren recruits Sam to the company as a professional player.
Sam and Lauren end up in a “roommates” romance trope after Sam (the only player who is a woman), moves in with Lauren. I’m not in the industry at all, but I am a gamer, so it was fun to have some insight into that world. I did wonder if some of it wasn’t realistic (like moving in with an exec to avoid the boy’s club of the team housing), but that didn’t detract from the story. I found the romance between Sam and Lauren to be cute, relatable, and full of longing. I appreciated the recognition of bi-erasure, with Lauren appearing straight and dealing with those issues while recognizing the hardships of Sam appearing more masculine, especially in the male-dominated field of gaming.
My only issue with the novel (SPOILER ALERT) was the sex. For an adult book to have closed-door sex scenes was odd to me. Especially since other things were described, such as masturbating. For some reason, though, the sex scenes were skipped over, which is fine if it’s YA or a different genre. But it caught me off guard to have the build up and tension between the characters, only for stuff to be skipped over at the peak.
Even so, I enjoyed this book and do recommend it. Especially those looking for romance without too much spice. I loved the characters, and even though the homophobia and sexism felt difficult to read at some points, I do appreciate the thought put into it and feeling recognition for real-world issues that women and queer women go through.
Sam and Lauren end up in a “roommates” romance trope after Sam (the only player who is a woman), moves in with Lauren. I’m not in the industry at all, but I am a gamer, so it was fun to have some insight into that world. I did wonder if some of it wasn’t realistic (like moving in with an exec to avoid the boy’s club of the team housing), but that didn’t detract from the story. I found the romance between Sam and Lauren to be cute, relatable, and full of longing. I appreciated the recognition of bi-erasure, with Lauren appearing straight and dealing with those issues while recognizing the hardships of Sam appearing more masculine, especially in the male-dominated field of gaming.
My only issue with the novel (SPOILER ALERT) was the sex. For an adult book to have closed-door sex scenes was odd to me. Especially since other things were described, such as masturbating. For some reason, though, the sex scenes were skipped over, which is fine if it’s YA or a different genre. But it caught me off guard to have the build up and tension between the characters, only for stuff to be skipped over at the peak.
Even so, I enjoyed this book and do recommend it. Especially those looking for romance without too much spice. I loved the characters, and even though the homophobia and sexism felt difficult to read at some points, I do appreciate the thought put into it and feeling recognition for real-world issues that women and queer women go through.
March 5, 2025
(3.5 Stars) Lauren Johanssen is the marketing director for a company that fields professional esport gaming teams. The CEO is very old school, with a boys will be boys mentality that is somewhat encouraged in the gaming industry. Lauren convinces the CEO to take the risk on a female gamer who wins one of the latest amateur championships. As their set up for housing for the men on the team is dorm style he insists the girl live with Lauren.
Sam O’Brian is older than most of her teammates. At 25 she is a medical massage therapist. And games for fun. Joining the team she not only gets grief from some of her teammates but is bullied online for her race and sex. It doesn’t give a great impression of the industry. But I liked that the book, through Lauren, has ideas that will change the mentality of gamers and encourage a largely untapped female market.
Sam and Lauren quickly hit it off. Lauren loves coming home to Sam’s home cooking. And Lauren tries to buffer Sam somewhat from the extras put on her by the CEO. As a couple they are sweet. I will say as a non gamer, some of the game explanations went over my head, and weren’t very interesting to me. I was more into the story for the sexism, racism issues and of course for romance.
Intimacy is behind closed doors, so I wondered if this was geared for a YA audience, although the MC’s are in their mid twenties. I enjoyed the story, especially where it ends up. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Sam O’Brian is older than most of her teammates. At 25 she is a medical massage therapist. And games for fun. Joining the team she not only gets grief from some of her teammates but is bullied online for her race and sex. It doesn’t give a great impression of the industry. But I liked that the book, through Lauren, has ideas that will change the mentality of gamers and encourage a largely untapped female market.
Sam and Lauren quickly hit it off. Lauren loves coming home to Sam’s home cooking. And Lauren tries to buffer Sam somewhat from the extras put on her by the CEO. As a couple they are sweet. I will say as a non gamer, some of the game explanations went over my head, and weren’t very interesting to me. I was more into the story for the sexism, racism issues and of course for romance.
Intimacy is behind closed doors, so I wondered if this was geared for a YA audience, although the MC’s are in their mid twenties. I enjoyed the story, especially where it ends up. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
February 19, 2025
ARC REVIEW - *Good Game* by Suzanne Lenoir is the kind of romance that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go! It’s packed with witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and a fierce battle—not just for gaming glory, but for identity too.
Sam O’Brian is climbing the pro gaming ranks (which isn't easy... Have you heard the things gamers say to girl gamers??), but her grunge-inspired, unbeknownst kindhearted attitude isn’t something she thought could be appetizing for a professional gaming career.
Enter Lauren Johanssen, a polished marketing exec with a mission and a goal: bring more females into pro-gaming and make Sam more “marketable” while helping their eSports team clean up... Because it was a *mess* for Augustan Gaming's Siege Encounter on aisle Team Baltimore Barrage...
This book is a total win for opposites-attract trope lovers and the geek enthusiast gamers! Sam and Lauren’s dynamic is electric from the start—filled with laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy tension, and plenty of heartfelt depth. *Good Game* isn’t just about gaming; it’s about defying expectations, staying true to yourself, and discovering connections where you least expect them.
An absolute five-star read for anyone who loves competitive banter, geeky fun, and slow-burn romances with an emotional core!
**Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher for the opportunity 💕**
Sam O’Brian is climbing the pro gaming ranks (which isn't easy... Have you heard the things gamers say to girl gamers??), but her grunge-inspired, unbeknownst kindhearted attitude isn’t something she thought could be appetizing for a professional gaming career.
Enter Lauren Johanssen, a polished marketing exec with a mission and a goal: bring more females into pro-gaming and make Sam more “marketable” while helping their eSports team clean up... Because it was a *mess* for Augustan Gaming's Siege Encounter on aisle Team Baltimore Barrage...
This book is a total win for opposites-attract trope lovers and the geek enthusiast gamers! Sam and Lauren’s dynamic is electric from the start—filled with laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy tension, and plenty of heartfelt depth. *Good Game* isn’t just about gaming; it’s about defying expectations, staying true to yourself, and discovering connections where you least expect them.
An absolute five-star read for anyone who loves competitive banter, geeky fun, and slow-burn romances with an emotional core!
**Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher for the opportunity 💕**
February 28, 2025
As a former competitive gamer, I was really excited for a Sapphic romance set in the gaming scene. Especially starring women in their mid and late 20s. And while the misogyny and vitriol is VERY real and was well depicted, the gaming aspect and the romance both fell a little flat for me.
I've been doxxed, and that is not only maddening, but it can be TERRIFYING and it was depicted as just a bit of an inconvenience for Sam. There was so much opportunity for her to explore her emotions more about her concern for her dad and friends and that was left undone. The romance part felt pretty surface level and left a lot to be desired from meaningful connection with each other. Which made the final chapter feel very jarring. There were a few scenes that should have been included instead of summarized and the reader told what happened instead of actually exploring it.
That all said, the couple of times where the competition did take the forefront were fun to read. I wanted more of it. I know some readers wanted more spice, but I actually liked the fade to black. I think it fit the vibe more. I did love the efforts put forth to make gaming safer for women and girls in the future.
Rep: bi femme (MC), butch lesbian (MC), mixed-race (MC), PTSD (SC), anxiety (SC)
CW: misogyny, bullying (not between MCs), racism, death of parent (in past)
I've been doxxed, and that is not only maddening, but it can be TERRIFYING and it was depicted as just a bit of an inconvenience for Sam. There was so much opportunity for her to explore her emotions more about her concern for her dad and friends and that was left undone. The romance part felt pretty surface level and left a lot to be desired from meaningful connection with each other. Which made the final chapter feel very jarring. There were a few scenes that should have been included instead of summarized and the reader told what happened instead of actually exploring it.
That all said, the couple of times where the competition did take the forefront were fun to read. I wanted more of it. I know some readers wanted more spice, but I actually liked the fade to black. I think it fit the vibe more. I did love the efforts put forth to make gaming safer for women and girls in the future.
Rep: bi femme (MC), butch lesbian (MC), mixed-race (MC), PTSD (SC), anxiety (SC)
CW: misogyny, bullying (not between MCs), racism, death of parent (in past)
February 19, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As an avid gamer myself, I was excited to read this one. Although I'm not very well versed in the world of esports, I could still relate to a lot of elements of this book, particularly the toxicity towards female gamers. I was glad to see it talked about as a central theme in this book and not brushed under the rug.
However, in terms of the gaming aspect itself, there were a few key moments that felt a little skipped over. For instance, the wins or losses were mostly just stated instead of actually described. This is the case for more than just the gaming as well, there are quite a few times in the book where events take place between characters or time passes and it is just told to us instead of letting us experience those moments. I wasn't as big a fan of that aspect, I feel like it can take away from the development of the story and the characters.
As far as the romance, I thought it was okay. I liked both characters individually, but together their chemistry felt lacking for me.
Overall though, this one is still a good read for fans of gaming and sapphic romance. It explores issues of toxicity in gaming, and features two strong characters 3.4/5 stars.
As an avid gamer myself, I was excited to read this one. Although I'm not very well versed in the world of esports, I could still relate to a lot of elements of this book, particularly the toxicity towards female gamers. I was glad to see it talked about as a central theme in this book and not brushed under the rug.
However, in terms of the gaming aspect itself, there were a few key moments that felt a little skipped over. For instance, the wins or losses were mostly just stated instead of actually described. This is the case for more than just the gaming as well, there are quite a few times in the book where events take place between characters or time passes and it is just told to us instead of letting us experience those moments. I wasn't as big a fan of that aspect, I feel like it can take away from the development of the story and the characters.
As far as the romance, I thought it was okay. I liked both characters individually, but together their chemistry felt lacking for me.
Overall though, this one is still a good read for fans of gaming and sapphic romance. It explores issues of toxicity in gaming, and features two strong characters 3.4/5 stars.
March 10, 2025
I'd give this one 4.25 stars.
This book was worth the read after I got through the online gaming set-up in the beginning; it was dense with terminology that a non-gamer may be unfamiliar with, but it was helpful in establishing the world for the two main characters and the secondary ones. There were definitely some parts that were hard to read (primarily when an ignorant and disrespectful man was speaking), but it fit well with the characters and the world that the author established. After I got about 1/3 of the way through the book, I was hooked. The slow burn between Sam and Lauren was worth the wait! And I loved the bits of humor sprinkled in, both between our main characters as well as their relationships with friends.
The story did seem to wrap up rather quickly; I felt like there could have been a bit more between the last few chapters so that it wouldn't feel quite as rushed.
Content warnings:
* misogyny and sexism (one of the main characters is a female gamer in the male-dominated field, and the other is a marketing expert for the male-dominated company)
* mentions of a dead parent of one of the main characters
* mention of infidelity
* descriptions of doxxing
Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, and Suzanne Lenoir for this ARC.
This book was worth the read after I got through the online gaming set-up in the beginning; it was dense with terminology that a non-gamer may be unfamiliar with, but it was helpful in establishing the world for the two main characters and the secondary ones. There were definitely some parts that were hard to read (primarily when an ignorant and disrespectful man was speaking), but it fit well with the characters and the world that the author established. After I got about 1/3 of the way through the book, I was hooked. The slow burn between Sam and Lauren was worth the wait! And I loved the bits of humor sprinkled in, both between our main characters as well as their relationships with friends.
The story did seem to wrap up rather quickly; I felt like there could have been a bit more between the last few chapters so that it wouldn't feel quite as rushed.
Content warnings:
* misogyny and sexism (one of the main characters is a female gamer in the male-dominated field, and the other is a marketing expert for the male-dominated company)
* mentions of a dead parent of one of the main characters
* mention of infidelity
* descriptions of doxxing
Thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, and Suzanne Lenoir for this ARC.
March 31, 2025
well, this one was absolutely a breath of fresh air in a world where we all read so many romances about the same jobs and scenarios (and happily still, might i add). i've never seen a romance about anything like this before, though it still has a good workplace romance trope. and i love to see people in romance with just regular jobs too, like the MC who's day job is a massage therapist.
this is a story that really tackles the sexism in most workplaces but that is definitely rampant in competitive gaming and gaming in general. there's the classic story of the woman only being suggested as a hire due to her gender neutral name by a man who's face you wanna slap so bad that the happiest moment in the book for me is when he got his comeuppance. (i hate you, will!!)
this was a really great binge read too. easy to read but keeps you hooked throughout. it was low spice (closed door) but HIGH heat anyway. plus, so many things come together in the end it's like at least four happy endings in one!
though i do object to the moment when one of the characters said;
"Surprisingly, Lauren knew the words..." in regards to Cyndi Lauper's 'Girl's Just Want to Have Fun'. GIRL, literally everyone knows the lyrics to that song 😂
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️
this is a story that really tackles the sexism in most workplaces but that is definitely rampant in competitive gaming and gaming in general. there's the classic story of the woman only being suggested as a hire due to her gender neutral name by a man who's face you wanna slap so bad that the happiest moment in the book for me is when he got his comeuppance. (i hate you, will!!)
this was a really great binge read too. easy to read but keeps you hooked throughout. it was low spice (closed door) but HIGH heat anyway. plus, so many things come together in the end it's like at least four happy endings in one!
though i do object to the moment when one of the characters said;
"Surprisingly, Lauren knew the words..." in regards to Cyndi Lauper's 'Girl's Just Want to Have Fun'. GIRL, literally everyone knows the lyrics to that song 😂
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️
March 12, 2025
I’m not a gamer, but not because I wouldn’t enjoy gaming, more like upfront costs and it’s still more a generational thing. I went out of my comfort zone to read something I typically wouldn’t choose. The author did well in capturing the gamer mentality and atmosphere without sacrificing the personal relationships in the story, IMHO.
Not only was this entertaining, I’d argue it was also educational for other generations. The discrimination and misogyny rampant in the gaming industry has been blatant and prevalent but not called out as it should. So, showing it, although it might be more than aggravating at times, really helped to flesh out Sam’s character very well. No, I never give spoilers on anything, don’t expect them.
I thought Lenoir also did an excellent job of showing the misogyny through the characters of Will and Dylan, making them truly unlikeable! Yeah, nah, still no spoilers. The pace of the story was fine, and the dialogue authentic and driven.
My only wish was that I could have had a better idea of the age of Lauren’s character. Just sayin’.
My thanks to Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books. As always, any opinions are voluntary and exclusively mine!
Not only was this entertaining, I’d argue it was also educational for other generations. The discrimination and misogyny rampant in the gaming industry has been blatant and prevalent but not called out as it should. So, showing it, although it might be more than aggravating at times, really helped to flesh out Sam’s character very well. No, I never give spoilers on anything, don’t expect them.
I thought Lenoir also did an excellent job of showing the misogyny through the characters of Will and Dylan, making them truly unlikeable! Yeah, nah, still no spoilers. The pace of the story was fine, and the dialogue authentic and driven.
My only wish was that I could have had a better idea of the age of Lauren’s character. Just sayin’.
My thanks to Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books. As always, any opinions are voluntary and exclusively mine!
March 19, 2025
First book by this author, and pretty enjoyable for not being a gamer. I have vertigo and can't play first person games, but it was interesting to read and it was obvious the other is a gamer or did a ton of research.
Sam is a gamer and a good one, but with being a woman she's never been given a chance, until Lauren comes along and fights to give her a chance. Sam is a huge tomboy and is comfortable is sweats and a hoodie, but becoming a pro gamer meant changing her look and other aspects to stay on the team and go to the World championships.
Lauren works the company but hates that she's looked down upon just because she's a woman and a lot of her ideas aren't taken seriously because of that.
Being a woman myself, these stuck up ideals hit the mark and are very true and well written and I can only imagine the crap women gamers get in a male dominated profession.
I wouldn't call this a romance, this was more of a background with Sam and Lauren and it happened fast and wasn't the forefront of the story. It was about gaming.
Overall, not bad. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sam is a gamer and a good one, but with being a woman she's never been given a chance, until Lauren comes along and fights to give her a chance. Sam is a huge tomboy and is comfortable is sweats and a hoodie, but becoming a pro gamer meant changing her look and other aspects to stay on the team and go to the World championships.
Lauren works the company but hates that she's looked down upon just because she's a woman and a lot of her ideas aren't taken seriously because of that.
Being a woman myself, these stuck up ideals hit the mark and are very true and well written and I can only imagine the crap women gamers get in a male dominated profession.
I wouldn't call this a romance, this was more of a background with Sam and Lauren and it happened fast and wasn't the forefront of the story. It was about gaming.
Overall, not bad. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2025
📖 Bookish Thoughts
This sapphic romance was definitely an opposites-attract situation! It was a slow burn romance, but also tackled serious topics like sexism, homophobia, and racism. So definitely mind your triggers going in. I don’t think I was prepared for the death threats Sam received from other gamers online.
I really liked Lauren and how she approached Sam. Especially her respect around Sam staying with her (because of course the company had no housing for women and just volunteered Lauren to host… yikes).
Sam was a bit harder for me to connect with, but I admired how unapologetically herself she was. The gaming world isn’t kind to women, and watching her navigate all that pressure. Especially the company trying to make her more “feminine” with makeup—gave me the ick.
🎮What You Can Expect
• Opposites attract
• Slow burn sapphic romance
• Toxic gaming culture
• Forced proximity
• Work place romance
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
This sapphic romance was definitely an opposites-attract situation! It was a slow burn romance, but also tackled serious topics like sexism, homophobia, and racism. So definitely mind your triggers going in. I don’t think I was prepared for the death threats Sam received from other gamers online.
I really liked Lauren and how she approached Sam. Especially her respect around Sam staying with her (because of course the company had no housing for women and just volunteered Lauren to host… yikes).
Sam was a bit harder for me to connect with, but I admired how unapologetically herself she was. The gaming world isn’t kind to women, and watching her navigate all that pressure. Especially the company trying to make her more “feminine” with makeup—gave me the ick.
🎮What You Can Expect
• Opposites attract
• Slow burn sapphic romance
• Toxic gaming culture
• Forced proximity
• Work place romance
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
February 25, 2025
That was actually a good game. Both MCs took risks and won in the end - in more ways than one!
The book is very much about gaming. The world itself, the players and their environment and how they deal with it.
Not always good and sexism, racial discrimination, doxxing etc. are addressed.
Women in the gaming scene are also a big topic that Sam has to deal with, including her appearance.
Compared to the others, she has to change because she is too androgynous.
You can see that this isn't a normal gamer romance. In my opinion, the romantic aspect deserved more attention. More details about Lauren and Sam's relationship.
I like it to be very detailed in the hot scenes, but I also understand that that shouldn't be the focus.
A little more would have been nice, though.
Because the two of them are great when they finally find each other and allow it.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and to the Author for the ARC. This is my honest review!
The book is very much about gaming. The world itself, the players and their environment and how they deal with it.
Not always good and sexism, racial discrimination, doxxing etc. are addressed.
Women in the gaming scene are also a big topic that Sam has to deal with, including her appearance.
Compared to the others, she has to change because she is too androgynous.
You can see that this isn't a normal gamer romance. In my opinion, the romantic aspect deserved more attention. More details about Lauren and Sam's relationship.
I like it to be very detailed in the hot scenes, but I also understand that that shouldn't be the focus.
A little more would have been nice, though.
Because the two of them are great when they finally find each other and allow it.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and to the Author for the ARC. This is my honest review!
March 8, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
i thoughly enjoyed this one.... i liked how the author made the characters some likeable and some not so... but they seemed true to type
sam o'brian loves playing computer games.... all her life she has played but she cant get into any serious games because of the hate towards her....even from players...its an all boys zones
so whens she approached to go pro in a team she is worried..... and she has a right to be.....
if her team doesnt want her and even one of the bosses what could she expect from the audiences that will be drawn to this new game.....
its an interesting read and very on topic as women try to edge into male dominated things and abuse from all sides is a given even now.... but i really loved the chemistry between the two main characters
will be keeping an eye out for more from this author
i thoughly enjoyed this one.... i liked how the author made the characters some likeable and some not so... but they seemed true to type
sam o'brian loves playing computer games.... all her life she has played but she cant get into any serious games because of the hate towards her....even from players...its an all boys zones
so whens she approached to go pro in a team she is worried..... and she has a right to be.....
if her team doesnt want her and even one of the bosses what could she expect from the audiences that will be drawn to this new game.....
its an interesting read and very on topic as women try to edge into male dominated things and abuse from all sides is a given even now.... but i really loved the chemistry between the two main characters
will be keeping an eye out for more from this author
March 12, 2025
It was a very cute sapphic book set in the video games industry and importants themes !
We’re following Sam who’s an amateur player in video games and at a competition she got an offer to go pro. Lauren work for the company who offer the job to Sam, as a marketing employee and since there’s only boys in the dorms, Sam became Lauren’s roommate so she’s not uncomfortable.
The sexism and misogyny in the video games industry is very well portrayed, same as the way men behave in a industry with a majority of men.
I loved the force proximity and the differences between the character with Sam being androgynous and Lauren being a strong and feminine women. I really appreciated the development of the characters too.
I just didn’t understand that there’s a scene where one of the character is masturbating but fade to black sexes scenes ?
We’re following Sam who’s an amateur player in video games and at a competition she got an offer to go pro. Lauren work for the company who offer the job to Sam, as a marketing employee and since there’s only boys in the dorms, Sam became Lauren’s roommate so she’s not uncomfortable.
The sexism and misogyny in the video games industry is very well portrayed, same as the way men behave in a industry with a majority of men.
I loved the force proximity and the differences between the character with Sam being androgynous and Lauren being a strong and feminine women. I really appreciated the development of the characters too.
I just didn’t understand that there’s a scene where one of the character is masturbating but fade to black sexes scenes ?
March 21, 2025
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I actually received my ARC after the publish date so you can go read this book right now if you wish!
I was really looking forward to reading this as I thought the story taking place in the professional gaming industry would be interesting. As it turns out, I know so little about the professional gaming industry that I was mostly just confused when they mentioned it. I also didn't find the characters particularly likable or engaging, so this one was a bit of a slog for me.
However, I do want to mention that the Sam's commitment to being true to herself despite pressure from her job to dress differently and religious pressures from her family made this story compelling enough for me to read to the end.
I was really looking forward to reading this as I thought the story taking place in the professional gaming industry would be interesting. As it turns out, I know so little about the professional gaming industry that I was mostly just confused when they mentioned it. I also didn't find the characters particularly likable or engaging, so this one was a bit of a slog for me.
However, I do want to mention that the Sam's commitment to being true to herself despite pressure from her job to dress differently and religious pressures from her family made this story compelling enough for me to read to the end.
May 24, 2025
Trigger warnings for Good Game include: racism, sexism, homophobia, online trolling, doxxing, online abuse.
☆
☆
I really enjoyed the open discussions had in this book around the toxicity in the gaming community and industry. The way many male-dominated fields can be intimidating for women and the conversations that took place regarding ways to change that. The best ways of tackling those problems so that they aren't as bad for the next generation.
~
I really liked the relationship between Lauren and Sam. And the ways Lauren was supportive of Sam, both in and out of their workplace. And the healthy communication between them when issues arose and the way they gave each other space to process before working out what to do next.
•
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
☆
☆
I really enjoyed the open discussions had in this book around the toxicity in the gaming community and industry. The way many male-dominated fields can be intimidating for women and the conversations that took place regarding ways to change that. The best ways of tackling those problems so that they aren't as bad for the next generation.
~
I really liked the relationship between Lauren and Sam. And the ways Lauren was supportive of Sam, both in and out of their workplace. And the healthy communication between them when issues arose and the way they gave each other space to process before working out what to do next.
•
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.
February 23, 2025
I chose this book without realizing it was more of a young adult story, which has been a bit disappointing for me. Because half of the story is explaining games I don't know, abusive situations between genders and between races, and general bad behavior from superiors towards subordinates and among peers.
The romance is between two seemingly opposite women and is somewhat inconceivable, although it may be believable to some. The overall feeling is positive, despite everything
My review should not be taken as a reference, I made a mistake in choosing this book and I am not the right person to rate it properly.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review
The romance is between two seemingly opposite women and is somewhat inconceivable, although it may be believable to some. The overall feeling is positive, despite everything
My review should not be taken as a reference, I made a mistake in choosing this book and I am not the right person to rate it properly.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review
December 8, 2025
Good Game by Suzanne Lenoir makes for a great read. As a girl who’s always enjoyed gaming I was interested in the premise. Lenoir did a fantastic job depicting what the gaming world can be like for female gamers - the toxicity, homophobia, and sexism.
I loved reading about Sam and how much she cared about the others who were struggling to fit in with gaming.
I will say I do wish there had been more time spent on developing the relationship between Sam and Lauren. The attraction was there right away but I do with the romance side has a little more development. That being said I absolutely recommend reading this book it’s a great read!
Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for the Arc.
February 23, 2025
I am not a gamer in any way but wanted to give this book a try despite this fact. Always nice to read and learn about something new. However, I was a bit disappointed since the writing was really dragging at time so for me I was unfortunately never invested in the story. There were also a lot of horrible men thinking women cannot be good at e-sport and a lot of homophobia and racism on top of that.
The romance between Sam and Lauren was also a bit lacking with everything being fade to black and I never really felt that they had any real chemistry and showing they were right for each other.
I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley and I leave a review voluntarily.
The romance between Sam and Lauren was also a bit lacking with everything being fade to black and I never really felt that they had any real chemistry and showing they were right for each other.
I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley and I leave a review voluntarily.
March 9, 2025
ARC review — A slow-burn sapphic romance set in the world of professional gaming - Sam joins a team as the only woman, and Lauren works in marketing for the team. The book tackles a lot of the challenges women face in gaming, particularly for Sam, who is forced to present as more feminine than she is, and really goes pretty deep into that world, which is a breath of fresh air and I had a great time reading about Sam’s first few tournaments.
The romance itself though I felt was less of a focus compared with Sam’s journey as a gamer. There was a lot of longing before Sam and Lauren actually get together, but I thought there could have been more showing rather than telling.
The romance itself though I felt was less of a focus compared with Sam’s journey as a gamer. There was a lot of longing before Sam and Lauren actually get together, but I thought there could have been more showing rather than telling.
March 10, 2025
This was a sweet slow-burn romance, set in the world of professional esports. The plot provided an insightful glance into the world of esports and the bullying - both in-person and online - that comes with it. So much is talked about cyber bullying for teenagers that it is often glanced over at the adult level, so I was glad to see light being shined on the issue. Though I am not a gamer myself, I still enjoyed the story and learning more about a topic I was less familiar with. Definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a relatively low-angst read.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
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