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Nerdplay
Cricket Abernathy has no qualms about letting her geek flag fly. For two weeks every summer, she welcomes like-minded adults to a specially curated camp, where they release their inner children and participate in activities like Hero 101, fan fiction collaborations, and zombie apocalypse training. It’s their safe space, and Cricket would rather eat ramen noodles for the rest of her life than sacrifice the camp to the financial gods, which is exactly what she tells the big city lawyer who seems to think his client is entitled to her property simply because the numbers in his bank account require commas.
Charles Owen Frederick Thorpe IV, Esquire is a man on a mission—to become the youngest partner in his firm’s history to appease his demanding parents and match the career successes of his siblings. Unfortunately his one shot at partnership happens to be the acquisition of real estate currently owned and occupied by a headstrong woman wearing a Nerdy By Nature T-shirt and special edition Converse. With the deal and his partnership in jeopardy, Charlie is determined to do whatever it takes to wheedle Cricket’s land out from under her, so he does what any ruthless lawyer would do—he registers for camp. He’ll play her game of cornhole with cornballs, and by the end of the two weeks, he’ll have that contract signed, sealed, and delivered. How hard can it be?
Too bad love has its own endgame.
It’s all fun and games until… Well, nobody loses an eye, but they might just lose their hearts.
Charles Owen Frederick Thorpe IV, Esquire is a man on a mission—to become the youngest partner in his firm’s history to appease his demanding parents and match the career successes of his siblings. Unfortunately his one shot at partnership happens to be the acquisition of real estate currently owned and occupied by a headstrong woman wearing a Nerdy By Nature T-shirt and special edition Converse. With the deal and his partnership in jeopardy, Charlie is determined to do whatever it takes to wheedle Cricket’s land out from under her, so he does what any ruthless lawyer would do—he registers for camp. He’ll play her game of cornhole with cornballs, and by the end of the two weeks, he’ll have that contract signed, sealed, and delivered. How hard can it be?
Too bad love has its own endgame.
It’s all fun and games until… Well, nobody loses an eye, but they might just lose their hearts.
- GenresRomance
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
3409 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Chase
270 books1,444 followersAnnabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
October 7, 2025
This book was fun! The classic lawyer who takes his life too seriously realizes that there’s more to live for when he meets her. I loved the adult nerd camp idea and liked that there were a variety of activities.
The growth was great and the ending is satisfying.
This book is closed door, but I honestly didn’t mind not having any spice.
The growth was great and the ending is satisfying.
This book is closed door, but I honestly didn’t mind not having any spice.
September 22, 2025
This was an easy to read, lighthearted romcom. Who knew so many characters from an adult nerd camp would capture my heart this way?
I chuckled throughout at all the references woven into the storyline. Overall I had a fun time.
Thank you so much to the Nerd Fam for the e-ARC!
I chuckled throughout at all the references woven into the storyline. Overall I had a fun time.
Thank you so much to the Nerd Fam for the e-ARC!
September 7, 2025
This is my first book from this author, and I had no idea that she was such a prolific fantasy and romantasy author.
But knowing that now, after reading the book, it really feels like she wrote this book for her readers.
This is such a real good romance and such a sweet book
The plot is centered around FMC Courtney, “Cricket,” who runs a kids camp over the summer on land she inherited but before it starts, she allots two weeks for an adult camp.
The adults to get away from their real world stresses and get to be kids again; falling in love with the things they loved as children and themselves. It is a place of absolutely zero judgment and embracing the things that make you happy regardless of how the outside world might view it.
They are such a loving and quirky cast of characters you can’t help but hope this series continues, and everybody finds love by the end!
Unfortunately, for her good vibes do not pay the bills, and she has been struggling for years to not only keep the adult camp afloat, but the camp open in general.
Of course, as we all know from watching Yellowstone, if you have something of value, others are going to try to buy it.
And if that doesn’t work, if you can’t be bought, they are going to try to take it.
So, the money hungry CEO and bosses have decided to send Charles Owen Frederick Thorpe the Fourth, Esquire to seal the deal, by any means necessary.
I would say this is a very cozy read and there are low steaks. This is a fade to black but happy ending guaranteed!
There is a third act break up but honestly, it is well deserved ☠️☠️☠️
But knowing that now, after reading the book, it really feels like she wrote this book for her readers.
This is such a real good romance and such a sweet book
The plot is centered around FMC Courtney, “Cricket,” who runs a kids camp over the summer on land she inherited but before it starts, she allots two weeks for an adult camp.
The adults to get away from their real world stresses and get to be kids again; falling in love with the things they loved as children and themselves. It is a place of absolutely zero judgment and embracing the things that make you happy regardless of how the outside world might view it.
They are such a loving and quirky cast of characters you can’t help but hope this series continues, and everybody finds love by the end!
Unfortunately, for her good vibes do not pay the bills, and she has been struggling for years to not only keep the adult camp afloat, but the camp open in general.
Of course, as we all know from watching Yellowstone, if you have something of value, others are going to try to buy it.
And if that doesn’t work, if you can’t be bought, they are going to try to take it.
So, the money hungry CEO and bosses have decided to send Charles Owen Frederick Thorpe the Fourth, Esquire to seal the deal, by any means necessary.
I would say this is a very cozy read and there are low steaks. This is a fade to black but happy ending guaranteed!
There is a third act break up but honestly, it is well deserved ☠️☠️☠️
October 10, 2025
An adorable, nerdy romance! I loved all of the Star Wars, LOTR, and comic references!
Charlie is an uptight lawyer focused on becoming the youngest partner at his law firm. All he needs is to close the deal on a land purchase to solidify it. The problem is Cricket, the land’s owner, who’s unwilling to sell. The land has been in Cricket’s family for many years and she uses it to run a comic camp for adults. Charlie is willing to do what it takes to become partner, and decides to enroll in camp and find any piece of leverage to close the deal. What he doesn’t expect is opening his heart and finding joy in the nerdy activities.
Charlie and Cricket are so cute together! They had great chemistry and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed. It’s a closed door romance but I would’ve loved if there was a little spice included.
The nerdy references are the best and made me so happy! Romance readers who love Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel, or DC need to pick this up immediately! Thank you to the author and NerdFam for the gifted copy!
Charlie is an uptight lawyer focused on becoming the youngest partner at his law firm. All he needs is to close the deal on a land purchase to solidify it. The problem is Cricket, the land’s owner, who’s unwilling to sell. The land has been in Cricket’s family for many years and she uses it to run a comic camp for adults. Charlie is willing to do what it takes to become partner, and decides to enroll in camp and find any piece of leverage to close the deal. What he doesn’t expect is opening his heart and finding joy in the nerdy activities.
Charlie and Cricket are so cute together! They had great chemistry and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed. It’s a closed door romance but I would’ve loved if there was a little spice included.
The nerdy references are the best and made me so happy! Romance readers who love Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel, or DC need to pick this up immediately! Thank you to the author and NerdFam for the gifted copy!
October 4, 2025
4.5 stars
Cuuuuttttteeee 💕 Nerdplay is a sweet, closed-door romance between a camp owner and a lawyer who’s trying to buy her land. I devoured it in a single day. It felt like a warm, cozy hug.
The camp itself is a nerd camp for adults, and I loved the inclusiveness. All the quirky characters who might normally be the butt of a joke instead got their own stories and moments to shine. That made the book feel really heartwarming.
The epilogue did lean a little heavy on pop culture references, but throughout the book they weren’t too overwhelming. If constant references aren’t your thing, this might not be the right romance for you—but personally, I really enjoyed it.
One of my favorite touches was how Cricket kept giving Charlie hilarious nicknames to make fun of his formal name. I laughed every time 😂
Cuuuuttttteeee 💕 Nerdplay is a sweet, closed-door romance between a camp owner and a lawyer who’s trying to buy her land. I devoured it in a single day. It felt like a warm, cozy hug.
The camp itself is a nerd camp for adults, and I loved the inclusiveness. All the quirky characters who might normally be the butt of a joke instead got their own stories and moments to shine. That made the book feel really heartwarming.
The epilogue did lean a little heavy on pop culture references, but throughout the book they weren’t too overwhelming. If constant references aren’t your thing, this might not be the right romance for you—but personally, I really enjoyed it.
One of my favorite touches was how Cricket kept giving Charlie hilarious nicknames to make fun of his formal name. I laughed every time 😂
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September 26, 2025Review by Kirkus Indie
A lawyer trying to dispossess the proprietress of a sleepaway camp ends up falling for her instead in Chase’s fizzy romance.
She’s Cricket Abernathy, owner of the run-down Camp Abernathy by gorgeous Lake Willa in the Poconos; he’s Charlie Thorpe, a Philadelphia lawyer tasked with convincing her to sell the camp to his real-estate developer client—with a promotion to partner riding on his success. When Cricket rejects the offer, Charlie decides to look for secrets that could force her to sell by signing up for the two-week-long Comic-Camp for adult nerds who are into everything from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings. Cricket knows about his subterfuge, but lets him in anyway because of his granite jaw, muscular chest, and adorable dimples. Other campers include Adam, who plays a Sith Lord; Stefan, who dresses as a Viking; Hunter, who portrays a zombie from an apocalypse-set game; 11-year-old Olivia, who’s a dead shot with foam-tipped arrows; Angela, a cougar on the hunt for a fourth husband; and Esther, an old lady who crochets plushie penises as gag bridal gifts. Charlie, who is basically a nice guy and a good sport, bonds with these oddballs and, smitten by her toned physique and infectious humor, falls in love with Cricket. Cricket reciprocates Charlie’s ardor, and their relationship escalates from flirty banter to Cricket inspecting Charlie’s genitals for ticks, thence to skinny-dipping and…nature taking its course. Complications arise when Cricket’s old flame, Patrick, shows up. The situation worsens when Charlie discovers a lien on Camp Abernathy, giving his client leverage to take the land—and threatening Cricket’s home and livelihood.
Chase’s yarn follows a classic screwball-comedy formula, pairing a nervy heroine with a manly but menschy hero amid a constellation of loveable eccentrics in a narrative that’s full of blithe, energetic contrivances. It’s also a valentine to nerdishness and the pop-culture icons it feeds upon, spoofing them but also acknowledging their moral seriousness and relevance. (“Peter becomes a hero when he develops a genuine connection with others,” Adam explains to Charlie in a rather pointed interpretation of Guardians of the Galaxy.) The romantic leads are complicated and unfinished, with Charlie needing to release the emotions that his judgmental parents forced him to suppress and Cricket unable to break free from the safe but isolating cocoon of Camp Abernathy. Chase writes vigorous, evocative prose that crackles with smart and salacious repartee (“Your hand is on my ass, Charles Xavier Thorpe….[e]ither that or this lake has a small octopus”) and makes her characters, unlike many of the bland protagonists who populate romances, feel quirky, colorful, and alive. (“The memory of Cricket’s laughter rings in my head. It was a wicked, bawdy laugh that ought to belong to a gangster’s moll and not the bespectacled woman in the Tree of Mordor or Gondor or one of the ’dors T-shirt”). Readers will heartily root for Cricket and Charlie to get together and save their geeky paradise.
A sparkling love story with richly depicted lovers and a sly comic sensibility.
A lawyer trying to dispossess the proprietress of a sleepaway camp ends up falling for her instead in Chase’s fizzy romance.
She’s Cricket Abernathy, owner of the run-down Camp Abernathy by gorgeous Lake Willa in the Poconos; he’s Charlie Thorpe, a Philadelphia lawyer tasked with convincing her to sell the camp to his real-estate developer client—with a promotion to partner riding on his success. When Cricket rejects the offer, Charlie decides to look for secrets that could force her to sell by signing up for the two-week-long Comic-Camp for adult nerds who are into everything from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings. Cricket knows about his subterfuge, but lets him in anyway because of his granite jaw, muscular chest, and adorable dimples. Other campers include Adam, who plays a Sith Lord; Stefan, who dresses as a Viking; Hunter, who portrays a zombie from an apocalypse-set game; 11-year-old Olivia, who’s a dead shot with foam-tipped arrows; Angela, a cougar on the hunt for a fourth husband; and Esther, an old lady who crochets plushie penises as gag bridal gifts. Charlie, who is basically a nice guy and a good sport, bonds with these oddballs and, smitten by her toned physique and infectious humor, falls in love with Cricket. Cricket reciprocates Charlie’s ardor, and their relationship escalates from flirty banter to Cricket inspecting Charlie’s genitals for ticks, thence to skinny-dipping and…nature taking its course. Complications arise when Cricket’s old flame, Patrick, shows up. The situation worsens when Charlie discovers a lien on Camp Abernathy, giving his client leverage to take the land—and threatening Cricket’s home and livelihood.
Chase’s yarn follows a classic screwball-comedy formula, pairing a nervy heroine with a manly but menschy hero amid a constellation of loveable eccentrics in a narrative that’s full of blithe, energetic contrivances. It’s also a valentine to nerdishness and the pop-culture icons it feeds upon, spoofing them but also acknowledging their moral seriousness and relevance. (“Peter becomes a hero when he develops a genuine connection with others,” Adam explains to Charlie in a rather pointed interpretation of Guardians of the Galaxy.) The romantic leads are complicated and unfinished, with Charlie needing to release the emotions that his judgmental parents forced him to suppress and Cricket unable to break free from the safe but isolating cocoon of Camp Abernathy. Chase writes vigorous, evocative prose that crackles with smart and salacious repartee (“Your hand is on my ass, Charles Xavier Thorpe….[e]ither that or this lake has a small octopus”) and makes her characters, unlike many of the bland protagonists who populate romances, feel quirky, colorful, and alive. (“The memory of Cricket’s laughter rings in my head. It was a wicked, bawdy laugh that ought to belong to a gangster’s moll and not the bespectacled woman in the Tree of Mordor or Gondor or one of the ’dors T-shirt”). Readers will heartily root for Cricket and Charlie to get together and save their geeky paradise.
A sparkling love story with richly depicted lovers and a sly comic sensibility.
September 27, 2025
Nerdplay is more than just a camp for adult outcasts; it's a community, a safe place, and a story to hold in your heart.
After reading the synopsis, I knew that my inner geek would love this book. And my intuition wasn't wrong.
Cricket Abernathy is the camp leader and our FMC. Even though she doesn't like stuff like accounting, she's incredible at managing her business. She puts heart and soul into the camp and its people. Besides her memorable name, she can stand her ground, she's witty and chaotically imperfect. Just the way I like female heroines.
Charles Owen Fredrick Thorpe IV, a corporateman, a man of the office, the I-can-secure-the-deal kind of guy. I loved reading how he opens up and changes for the good throughout the book. He shows great character development despite his inner conflicts. He's a man with too many names, but he cares deeply for those he trusts.
Written in a dual POV, we scheme and follow Cricket and Charles as they navigate each other around 'nerd' camp. The ephemeral backdrop for pranks, secrets, fun activities, and bonding. At times, it's a bit cliché, but in a lovable and funny way. Just like the other campers, loveable and funny. Each geekier than the other, and while not as much written in-depth as Cricket and Charles, the author gave them a mid-level background to humanise them.
My favourite part is the (pop) cultural references. There are so many! Oh my gosh. You'd have to have some knowledge to really understand them, but if you're familiar with just a tiny bit, I'm sure you'll understand the main jokes too.
But not all is fun and games in nerdland. Nerdplay explores some profound themes that adulthood brings. What does it mean to be an adult? Do you follow your head or your heart? It deals with grief and the hardship of responsibility and duty.
Overall, the story is a quick and easy read that'll leave you laughing and pondering at the same time. (Also, quick credits to the many plays on Charles' name. That is creativity!) For me, it felt like a welcoming and comforting hug while also leaving room for reflection.
Thank you to the NerdFam and Annabel Chase for providing me with an e-copy of the book.
After reading the synopsis, I knew that my inner geek would love this book. And my intuition wasn't wrong.
Cricket Abernathy is the camp leader and our FMC. Even though she doesn't like stuff like accounting, she's incredible at managing her business. She puts heart and soul into the camp and its people. Besides her memorable name, she can stand her ground, she's witty and chaotically imperfect. Just the way I like female heroines.
Charles Owen Fredrick Thorpe IV, a corporateman, a man of the office, the I-can-secure-the-deal kind of guy. I loved reading how he opens up and changes for the good throughout the book. He shows great character development despite his inner conflicts. He's a man with too many names, but he cares deeply for those he trusts.
Written in a dual POV, we scheme and follow Cricket and Charles as they navigate each other around 'nerd' camp. The ephemeral backdrop for pranks, secrets, fun activities, and bonding. At times, it's a bit cliché, but in a lovable and funny way. Just like the other campers, loveable and funny. Each geekier than the other, and while not as much written in-depth as Cricket and Charles, the author gave them a mid-level background to humanise them.
My favourite part is the (pop) cultural references. There are so many! Oh my gosh. You'd have to have some knowledge to really understand them, but if you're familiar with just a tiny bit, I'm sure you'll understand the main jokes too.
But not all is fun and games in nerdland. Nerdplay explores some profound themes that adulthood brings. What does it mean to be an adult? Do you follow your head or your heart? It deals with grief and the hardship of responsibility and duty.
Overall, the story is a quick and easy read that'll leave you laughing and pondering at the same time. (Also, quick credits to the many plays on Charles' name. That is creativity!) For me, it felt like a welcoming and comforting hug while also leaving room for reflection.
Thank you to the NerdFam and Annabel Chase for providing me with an e-copy of the book.
October 6, 2025
Courtney runs Comic-Camp: an adults only summer camp celebrating all things nerd. She is happy there; they are her people, her safe space. When LandStar, a development company, wants to buy the land the camp sits in, she refuses. Then they send Charlie, a lawyer, to infiltrate and find dirt to force the sale. As Charlie digs deeper into camp though, Courtney finds her way into his heart.
👾👾👾👾👾
This was an incredibly cute and satisfying romantic comedy.
I loved all of the characters and their nerdiness. I found them incredibly relatable, particularly with how important camp and that safe space to be themselves was. I found their relationships with each other so authentic.
I really enjoyed the character growth of Charlie and Courtney, and the development of their relationship. It was predictable, but was a warm and utterly wholesome story.
Charlie's character in particular had great development and his arc explored themes including parental pressure and childhood trauma. All the characters just felt real.
This was a quick and fun story, filled with pop culture references.
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for this ebook for review!
👾👾👾👾👾
This was an incredibly cute and satisfying romantic comedy.
I loved all of the characters and their nerdiness. I found them incredibly relatable, particularly with how important camp and that safe space to be themselves was. I found their relationships with each other so authentic.
I really enjoyed the character growth of Charlie and Courtney, and the development of their relationship. It was predictable, but was a warm and utterly wholesome story.
Charlie's character in particular had great development and his arc explored themes including parental pressure and childhood trauma. All the characters just felt real.
This was a quick and fun story, filled with pop culture references.
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for this ebook for review!
October 1, 2025
“Why are the bad guys always guys?” Olivia asks, bristling with irritation. “Girls can be bad, too. We’re equal opportunity evildoers.”
This was a cute and quick rom-com filled with lots of nerdy pop culture references, quirky found family, and some beautiful self discovery. Cricket runs a two week long adult summer camp catered towards the most lovable nerds. Charlie is a corporate attorney hired by a corporation that wants Crickets land. Let’s call this trope nemeses to lovers.
“And for the record, I don’t need a hero. Women like me rescue themselves.”
The characters were all so lovable and well developed and I truly felt like I was at Comic Camp with them! It’s the perfect feel good book. Like, I can’t be sure, but I think I managed to smile the entire time I read this book, which was in one sitting mind you, because I just couldn’t put it down.
“Dammit. Even his feet look good. On what bizarre planet do a man’s feet trigger such a positive physiological response? I must be ovulating. That’s the only explanation.”
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC! I had such a good time with this one.
This was a cute and quick rom-com filled with lots of nerdy pop culture references, quirky found family, and some beautiful self discovery. Cricket runs a two week long adult summer camp catered towards the most lovable nerds. Charlie is a corporate attorney hired by a corporation that wants Crickets land. Let’s call this trope nemeses to lovers.
“And for the record, I don’t need a hero. Women like me rescue themselves.”
The characters were all so lovable and well developed and I truly felt like I was at Comic Camp with them! It’s the perfect feel good book. Like, I can’t be sure, but I think I managed to smile the entire time I read this book, which was in one sitting mind you, because I just couldn’t put it down.
“Dammit. Even his feet look good. On what bizarre planet do a man’s feet trigger such a positive physiological response? I must be ovulating. That’s the only explanation.”
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC! I had such a good time with this one.
October 3, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5
A two-week fun camp for grown-ups sounds fun! It’s really a “wellness retreat” but semantics, you know. Cricket is the nerdy girl who attends the wellness retreat every year to be with other introverted nerds and can express their “inner child”. They do all the fun camp activities. It’s the perfect place for like-minded introverts because they will understand that when one gets overstimulated and won’t bat an eye, they need to grab some alone time at any moment. And it’s just what Cricket needs when Charles, a lawyer, wants her property. Charles will do anything to get it and goes to the wellness retreat to butter Cricket. Instead, he learns more about Cricket and himself and falls in love.
Nerdplay is one of those stories that is light and fun but has underlying deep messages that make you think when you’re done. I love the concept of the “nerd camp”, how Charles developed deeply throughout the story, and how much of an influence they were on each other. The story was entertaining.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A two-week fun camp for grown-ups sounds fun! It’s really a “wellness retreat” but semantics, you know. Cricket is the nerdy girl who attends the wellness retreat every year to be with other introverted nerds and can express their “inner child”. They do all the fun camp activities. It’s the perfect place for like-minded introverts because they will understand that when one gets overstimulated and won’t bat an eye, they need to grab some alone time at any moment. And it’s just what Cricket needs when Charles, a lawyer, wants her property. Charles will do anything to get it and goes to the wellness retreat to butter Cricket. Instead, he learns more about Cricket and himself and falls in love.
Nerdplay is one of those stories that is light and fun but has underlying deep messages that make you think when you’re done. I love the concept of the “nerd camp”, how Charles developed deeply throughout the story, and how much of an influence they were on each other. The story was entertaining.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Themes:
Enemies to Lovers 🖤
Slow Burn 🔥
Closed Door 🚪
Witty Banter ❗️
Found Family 🤩
Summary:
Nerdplay is a fun romantic comedy about a woman, Courtney “Cricket”, who owns a lot of land that a company called Landstar wants to buy. She is a headstrong woman who knows what she wants and is not going to change that for anyone. 2 weeks a year she hosts an adult only camp full of games and fun, where the attendees can be comfortable in their own skin. After multiple failed attempts to buy the land they send their lawyer, Charles, to get the land by any means necessary. Being one of two people competing for the partnership in the law firm the attorney is ready to get this deal done. In an attempt to do so he shows up at camp. As the camp ramps up Charles and Criket are both keeping each other as close as possible in order to learned what is needed. But with this comes tension and feelings that both must face, about themselves and each other.
Themes:
Enemies to Lovers 🖤
Slow Burn 🔥
Closed Door 🚪
Witty Banter ❗️
Found Family 🤩
Summary:
Nerdplay is a fun romantic comedy about a woman, Courtney “Cricket”, who owns a lot of land that a company called Landstar wants to buy. She is a headstrong woman who knows what she wants and is not going to change that for anyone. 2 weeks a year she hosts an adult only camp full of games and fun, where the attendees can be comfortable in their own skin. After multiple failed attempts to buy the land they send their lawyer, Charles, to get the land by any means necessary. Being one of two people competing for the partnership in the law firm the attorney is ready to get this deal done. In an attempt to do so he shows up at camp. As the camp ramps up Charles and Criket are both keeping each other as close as possible in order to learned what is needed. But with this comes tension and feelings that both must face, about themselves and each other.
September 30, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up
Thank you to Nerdfam and Annabel Chase for the ARC!
“𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒑. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕.”
This was such a cute, closed-door rom-com that felt like a love letter to all things pop culture. If you’re into Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Star Wars, and general nerdy references — you’ll feel right at home here.
“𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏; 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆. 𝑭*𝒄𝒌 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒂 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆.”
I really enjoyed the banter between our main characters, but honestly? The side characters totally stole the show for me. The camp setting was so fun, and I loved all the games and activities they played — it gave the whole book cozy, summer-camp vibes.
Perfect for anyone looking for a light, nerdy, closed-door romance with lots of heart and humor.
Thank you to Nerdfam and Annabel Chase for the ARC!
“𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒑. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕.”
This was such a cute, closed-door rom-com that felt like a love letter to all things pop culture. If you’re into Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Star Wars, and general nerdy references — you’ll feel right at home here.
“𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒏; 𝒔𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆. 𝑭*𝒄𝒌 𝒎𝒆. 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒂 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆.”
I really enjoyed the banter between our main characters, but honestly? The side characters totally stole the show for me. The camp setting was so fun, and I loved all the games and activities they played — it gave the whole book cozy, summer-camp vibes.
Perfect for anyone looking for a light, nerdy, closed-door romance with lots of heart and humor.
October 7, 2025
Not my typical read, but I was looking for a palate cleanser after a string of dark and heavy stories—and Nerdplay was exactly what I needed. From the first few pages, it hooked me with its humor and charm. The banter is playful, the characters are relatable, and the story is just the right mix of sweet and lighthearted without ever feeling cheesy.
It’s the kind of book that reminds you how fun reading can be when you just let go and enjoy the ride. I found myself smiling, laughing, and genuinely rooting for the characters the whole way through. There’s heart, there’s warmth, and there’s a refreshing simplicity in how it all unfolds.
If you’re looking for something to lift your mood or reset between darker reads, Nerdplay is that perfect comfort story—fun, flirty, and full of feel-good vibes.
It’s the kind of book that reminds you how fun reading can be when you just let go and enjoy the ride. I found myself smiling, laughing, and genuinely rooting for the characters the whole way through. There’s heart, there’s warmth, and there’s a refreshing simplicity in how it all unfolds.
If you’re looking for something to lift your mood or reset between darker reads, Nerdplay is that perfect comfort story—fun, flirty, and full of feel-good vibes.
October 9, 2025
This book tugged on my nerdy heart strings. It combined a forced proximity love story with summer camp that had cosplay, games, crafts, and ample LOTR references. It was a lighthearted quick read that gave you a few giggles and was highly entertaining. A serious lawyer from the city falls for a nerdy girl from the Poconos is a recipe for a good time.
The one part I found confusing was I couldn’t figure out how big the camp was. The way they talked about it, it felt like a larger camp, but then when they referenced campers or the activities it felt like it was only a few of them. However, the author described it in such fun detail and it felt like a welcoming experience that I would want to be a camper!
Audiobook thoughts: I enjoyed the narrators and they had some quirkiness/spark to the banter.
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ
🍃Forced Proximity by way of he enrolled in camp
🍃Slow Burn Romance
🍃Closed Door
🍃Found Family
🍃“Enemies” to Lovers
🍃LOTR and Star Wars References
Thank you to @librofm and @simonmaverickaudio for the audiobook, and @thenerdfam for the ebook!
The one part I found confusing was I couldn’t figure out how big the camp was. The way they talked about it, it felt like a larger camp, but then when they referenced campers or the activities it felt like it was only a few of them. However, the author described it in such fun detail and it felt like a welcoming experience that I would want to be a camper!
Audiobook thoughts: I enjoyed the narrators and they had some quirkiness/spark to the banter.
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ
🍃Forced Proximity by way of he enrolled in camp
🍃Slow Burn Romance
🍃Closed Door
🍃Found Family
🍃“Enemies” to Lovers
🍃LOTR and Star Wars References
Thank you to @librofm and @simonmaverickaudio for the audiobook, and @thenerdfam for the ebook!
October 15, 2025
-Thank you, the Nerd Fam, for the opportunity to receive the arc for this book-(albeit I’m reviewing it late)
The shear amount of pop culture references in this made me giggle and the concept of a nerd friendly, judgement free camp for adults makes me want to find one in real life. I loved watching Charlie slowly come into his inner nerd and all of the side characters were absolutely hilarious. I thought the drama was a little less than I expected with the high stakes of the law firm and the money situation but I did enjoy how it was resolved.
Chewy and Buffy are the best and I would read more including them
The shear amount of pop culture references in this made me giggle and the concept of a nerd friendly, judgement free camp for adults makes me want to find one in real life. I loved watching Charlie slowly come into his inner nerd and all of the side characters were absolutely hilarious. I thought the drama was a little less than I expected with the high stakes of the law firm and the money situation but I did enjoy how it was resolved.
Chewy and Buffy are the best and I would read more including them
October 17, 2025
This is the first romcom that I’ve ever deemed “infinity stars” but it’s definitely worthy of the title!! This was the RomCom of my nerdy little soul’s dreams! The references, the character development, the awkward FMC that I’m pretty sure might be me.. perfection! Also, a group of elderly ladies crocheting plushie penises. It really does have something for everyone. 🤷♀️😂
October 10, 2025
This may be my favorite cozy nerdy romcom! I love the chemistry between Cricket and Charlie. I love the depth of their emotions. I need a prequel about allll of Angela’s husbands AND a comic camp to attend 😂 this one is for anyone who felt othered and needed/still needs a safe space
August 31, 2025
Adult summer camp! Fun nerdy references, an emotional support sugar glider, extra nerdy games, crafts, and trivia… as well as a millionaire trying to buy the land out from under the camp.
Sweet romance with a great found family feel.
Thanks to Red Palm Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Nerdplay to come out October 2, 2025.
Sweet romance with a great found family feel.
Thanks to Red Palm Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Nerdplay to come out October 2, 2025.
September 14, 2025
Nerdplay was so cute! I loved the concept of a nerdy adult summer camp, and would absolutely sign up for that haha.
Overall though, Nerdplay was funny, sweet, and just all around adorable!
Overall though, Nerdplay was funny, sweet, and just all around adorable!
September 22, 2025
Nerdplay by Annabel Chase
This was such a fun read!! I absolutely loved the concept of this one! We get to see a summer camp for adults where everyone gets to be kids again! This one has such cute nerdy references, cute romance, and real great feels!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 24, 2025
This book was so cute. I loved it. The camp was amazing and all the characters were absolutely beautiful. I loved seeing Charlie’s development throughout the book. Loved the ending.
September 30, 2025
⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩
I was kindly provided with this book (censorship is BS and I hate it but here we are!)
4.5 stars.
Man I needed a book to make me laugh but also immerse me and this was that!
Tropes for this one is; nerdy pop culture, summer camp, enemies to lovers, rich vs poor, forced proximity, one bed, found family.
No smut, but plenty of tension! And it’s a HEA.
God the messages in this book, the themed covered from overbearing rich parents, to being forced to do your duty, brief mentions of Alzheimers, divorce of parsnts (side character) etc.. It really was the most wholesome, hilarious book I’ve read in a long time! Seriously, I quoted half of it cause I couldn’t stop actually laughing out loud. My kind of nerdy themes and humour 100%.
I was kindly provided with this book (censorship is BS and I hate it but here we are!)
4.5 stars.
Man I needed a book to make me laugh but also immerse me and this was that!
Tropes for this one is; nerdy pop culture, summer camp, enemies to lovers, rich vs poor, forced proximity, one bed, found family.
No smut, but plenty of tension! And it’s a HEA.
God the messages in this book, the themed covered from overbearing rich parents, to being forced to do your duty, brief mentions of Alzheimers, divorce of parsnts (side character) etc.. It really was the most wholesome, hilarious book I’ve read in a long time! Seriously, I quoted half of it cause I couldn’t stop actually laughing out loud. My kind of nerdy themes and humour 100%.
October 2, 2025
This was such a fun listen. I loved the close family like setting of the camp. That nostalgic feeling from when I was young that it triggered. This camp and it's fun nerdy games and activities is a place I can belong and gives you that unjudged feeling. Something lacking in our current world. Charlie are perfectly tailored lawyer comes in and tries to blend in and secretly sabotage Crickets legal ownership. But what Charlie finds is himself. A place he belongs and a family that accepts him for him. Something he's never had. This is a quick easy listen and the narrators (Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster) did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. I enjoyed how they feel like they play off each other's narration to give the story a seemless feel.
September 18, 2025
I loved this book so much 😍📚! I usually don’t read a ton of romcoms, but Nerdplay by Annabel Chase completely won me over—it was hilarious, heartwarming, and such a sweet romance that had me smiling the entire way through. 💕
The story followed Courtney “Cricket” Abernathy, a proudly geeky FMC who ran a summer camp that had my inner nerd screaming with joy 🤩—fan fiction collabs, Hero 101, zombie apocalypse survival training 🧟♂️, cosplay, and more! For two weeks every summer, adults got to shed the stress of real life and rediscover the joy of being unapologetically themselves 🦸♀️. It was such a safe, quirky, loving space that I wished I could sign up for myself.
But of course, keeping that kind of magic alive wasn’t easy 💸. Cricket had been struggling for years to keep the camp afloat, and just when things looked dire, in swooped Charles Thorpe. A big city lawyer sent by his firm to acquire the land, Charlie needed this deal to secure his shot at becoming the youngest partner and finally proving himself to his impossibly demanding family. His “brilliant” plan? Register for camp, charm his way through activities like cornhole and fanfic writing, and walk away with Cricket’s signature. Simple… right? Except he didn’t count on falling for the camp—or for Cricket herself. 🥹❤️
The banter between Cricket and Charlie had me cackling 🤭. Their chemistry was off the charts—I laughed so hard at their back-and-forth, but also swooned at the way their relationship slowly developed in the middle of costumes, camp games, and midnight confessions under the stars. 🌌 The pacing was spot-on, the side characters were a riot, and the whole book felt like a big, warm nerd hug. 🫂
✨ Tropes you’ll find inside (aka reasons to run, not walk, to this romcom):
❤️ Opposites attract
🏕️ Forced proximity (adult summer camp edition!)
📜 Banter that makes you laugh out loud
💼 Big city lawyer vs small-town geek queen
💖 Found family / quirky side characters
🧟 Cosplay & nerd culture woven perfectly into romance
This felt perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Ali Hazelwood, or anyone who loves their romcoms with a side of fandom joy and camp nostalgia 🏕️🥰.
By the end, I was both laughing and emotional—because this book wasn’t just about romance, it was about embracing your passions, creating safe spaces, and being brave enough to love without apology. 🥹💫
Huge thanks to Annabel Chase and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💌. I can’t wait to see more from this series and these lovable characters—I’m seriously hoping everyone at the camp gets their happily ever after too! 🥳
The story followed Courtney “Cricket” Abernathy, a proudly geeky FMC who ran a summer camp that had my inner nerd screaming with joy 🤩—fan fiction collabs, Hero 101, zombie apocalypse survival training 🧟♂️, cosplay, and more! For two weeks every summer, adults got to shed the stress of real life and rediscover the joy of being unapologetically themselves 🦸♀️. It was such a safe, quirky, loving space that I wished I could sign up for myself.
But of course, keeping that kind of magic alive wasn’t easy 💸. Cricket had been struggling for years to keep the camp afloat, and just when things looked dire, in swooped Charles Thorpe. A big city lawyer sent by his firm to acquire the land, Charlie needed this deal to secure his shot at becoming the youngest partner and finally proving himself to his impossibly demanding family. His “brilliant” plan? Register for camp, charm his way through activities like cornhole and fanfic writing, and walk away with Cricket’s signature. Simple… right? Except he didn’t count on falling for the camp—or for Cricket herself. 🥹❤️
The banter between Cricket and Charlie had me cackling 🤭. Their chemistry was off the charts—I laughed so hard at their back-and-forth, but also swooned at the way their relationship slowly developed in the middle of costumes, camp games, and midnight confessions under the stars. 🌌 The pacing was spot-on, the side characters were a riot, and the whole book felt like a big, warm nerd hug. 🫂
✨ Tropes you’ll find inside (aka reasons to run, not walk, to this romcom):
❤️ Opposites attract
🏕️ Forced proximity (adult summer camp edition!)
📜 Banter that makes you laugh out loud
💼 Big city lawyer vs small-town geek queen
💖 Found family / quirky side characters
🧟 Cosplay & nerd culture woven perfectly into romance
This felt perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Ali Hazelwood, or anyone who loves their romcoms with a side of fandom joy and camp nostalgia 🏕️🥰.
By the end, I was both laughing and emotional—because this book wasn’t just about romance, it was about embracing your passions, creating safe spaces, and being brave enough to love without apology. 🥹💫
Huge thanks to Annabel Chase and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💌. I can’t wait to see more from this series and these lovable characters—I’m seriously hoping everyone at the camp gets their happily ever after too! 🥳
October 3, 2025
As a lifelong nerd, this was heaven. I felt giddy with every reference and activity, and it made my Star Wars-loving heart sing. I want to go to Comic-Camp! How do we make this happen, people?!
Camp Abernathy is Cricket’s whole world. Passed down from her grandfather to her father, it became the home where she dreamed up Comic-Camp: a two-week adult camp full of all your nerdy fantasies. If only that fantasy came with financial stability. Things are tight, and to make matters worse, real estate developers are circling. Enter lawyer Charlie. She’s turned down their offers, yet here he stands. He claims he’s just looking for a home away from home, but we know what he’s really here for. And trust me bucko, he’s in for a treat because he has no idea what’s coming.
At its heart, this story is about finding a home, a safe space, and being accepted for who you are. Nerdy references and playful antics fill the pages, reminding us of what we’re all looking for: our people. The ones who accept and appreciate us exactly as we are. A found family who makes you feel like you belong. Everyone is welcome, whether it’s someone who wears a Vader helmet 24/7 or a lawyer who’s never seen LOTR or Star Wars… okay, maybe a little judgment.
Charlie is such an interesting and complex character. His rigid upbringing has shaped him into a robot of sorts, no feelings, always focused on winning, with success above everything. Life is all about the next achievement. He has been deprived of laughter, tears, and most of all, love.
Cricket, on the surface, is a simple, happy-go-lucky girl who seems to have her life together. These two weeks a year let her and the other campers fully let their "geek flag fly." But she carries her own challenges, between keeping the camp afloat, her ex, and now Charlie, who she doesn’t know if she can truly trust. She has her own walls that she likes to hide behind. I think that’s why I loved seeing Cricket and Charlie build this almost simple kind of love. It was easy, watching them both lower their walls, and incredibly satisfying.
That’s what I loved most about this read. It wasn’t just about escaping into your favorite fandoms, it was about being seen, supported, and accepted. Realizing you aren’t the only one facing challenges is healing in itself. It was full of laugh-out-loud banter, and really just left me with a happy heart!
Thank you so much The Nerd Fam and Annabel Chase for this gifted e-copy!
Camp Abernathy is Cricket’s whole world. Passed down from her grandfather to her father, it became the home where she dreamed up Comic-Camp: a two-week adult camp full of all your nerdy fantasies. If only that fantasy came with financial stability. Things are tight, and to make matters worse, real estate developers are circling. Enter lawyer Charlie. She’s turned down their offers, yet here he stands. He claims he’s just looking for a home away from home, but we know what he’s really here for. And trust me bucko, he’s in for a treat because he has no idea what’s coming.
At its heart, this story is about finding a home, a safe space, and being accepted for who you are. Nerdy references and playful antics fill the pages, reminding us of what we’re all looking for: our people. The ones who accept and appreciate us exactly as we are. A found family who makes you feel like you belong. Everyone is welcome, whether it’s someone who wears a Vader helmet 24/7 or a lawyer who’s never seen LOTR or Star Wars… okay, maybe a little judgment.
Charlie is such an interesting and complex character. His rigid upbringing has shaped him into a robot of sorts, no feelings, always focused on winning, with success above everything. Life is all about the next achievement. He has been deprived of laughter, tears, and most of all, love.
Cricket, on the surface, is a simple, happy-go-lucky girl who seems to have her life together. These two weeks a year let her and the other campers fully let their "geek flag fly." But she carries her own challenges, between keeping the camp afloat, her ex, and now Charlie, who she doesn’t know if she can truly trust. She has her own walls that she likes to hide behind. I think that’s why I loved seeing Cricket and Charlie build this almost simple kind of love. It was easy, watching them both lower their walls, and incredibly satisfying.
That’s what I loved most about this read. It wasn’t just about escaping into your favorite fandoms, it was about being seen, supported, and accepted. Realizing you aren’t the only one facing challenges is healing in itself. It was full of laugh-out-loud banter, and really just left me with a happy heart!
Thank you so much The Nerd Fam and Annabel Chase for this gifted e-copy!
September 29, 2025
(4.5 Stars) Thank you, @simonmaverickaudio for the free advanced listening copy! #simonmaverickaudio
Cricket Abernathy is the third generation owner of a camp in the Poconos which welcomes kids throughout the summer. However, under Cricket’s ownership, she’s added a special two-week adult “nerd camp” to start the season and those who loyally attend each year have become some of her best friends. Keeping the camp financially solvent is definitely a challenge but it is in Cricket’s DNA and she’d never let go of it.
But Charles Owen Frederick Thorpe IV, Esquire (seriously, that’s his name) has a client who wants that land and his promotion to partner hinges on him closing the deal. Cricket has said no and won’t discuss it, so he does the only thing he can think of to continue to make his case - he registers for nerd camp. Which is how Charles and his Gucci loafers find themselves playing Lord of the Rings ring toss, foam arrow battles, video games, and every nerdy thing under the sun. The thing is, while Charles is snooping around trying to figure out an angle to get her to sell, he’s also having the best time. And Cricket is serving up some hard truths that make him question his priorities.
The way I laughed all the way through this book - it is absolutely NERD-TASTIC! The found family of the campers and tender way that Cricket helps everyone build confidence in themselves, how Charlie’s life is shaken to the core by two weeks of self-discovery, and how a terrifying Chucky doll, a flying Sugar Glider, a yorkie named Chewey bring a little magic everywhere. From heartfelt moments to hilarious hijinks it is such a fun ride. If you love found family, opposites-attract chemistry, and a dose of delightful chaos, this one will win you over.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster do a great job in the dual narration of this dual POV book and pull of the humor and warmly embraced dorkiness of this book. You’re definitely going to want to grab this one on audio! (10h)
Cricket Abernathy is the third generation owner of a camp in the Poconos which welcomes kids throughout the summer. However, under Cricket’s ownership, she’s added a special two-week adult “nerd camp” to start the season and those who loyally attend each year have become some of her best friends. Keeping the camp financially solvent is definitely a challenge but it is in Cricket’s DNA and she’d never let go of it.
But Charles Owen Frederick Thorpe IV, Esquire (seriously, that’s his name) has a client who wants that land and his promotion to partner hinges on him closing the deal. Cricket has said no and won’t discuss it, so he does the only thing he can think of to continue to make his case - he registers for nerd camp. Which is how Charles and his Gucci loafers find themselves playing Lord of the Rings ring toss, foam arrow battles, video games, and every nerdy thing under the sun. The thing is, while Charles is snooping around trying to figure out an angle to get her to sell, he’s also having the best time. And Cricket is serving up some hard truths that make him question his priorities.
The way I laughed all the way through this book - it is absolutely NERD-TASTIC! The found family of the campers and tender way that Cricket helps everyone build confidence in themselves, how Charlie’s life is shaken to the core by two weeks of self-discovery, and how a terrifying Chucky doll, a flying Sugar Glider, a yorkie named Chewey bring a little magic everywhere. From heartfelt moments to hilarious hijinks it is such a fun ride. If you love found family, opposites-attract chemistry, and a dose of delightful chaos, this one will win you over.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Kelsey Navarro Foster and James Anderson Foster do a great job in the dual narration of this dual POV book and pull of the humor and warmly embraced dorkiness of this book. You’re definitely going to want to grab this one on audio! (10h)
October 3, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 YES, I said SIX STARS because five simply isn’t enough for NerdPlay, a book that blasted straight through my heart like a cinematic slow-mo hero moment. I was legit nervous to start this one—there’s so much buzz, I thought it might be one of those overhyped situations. But NOPE. It was like expecting a Butterbeer and getting a Felix Felicis cocktail instead—magical and mood-lifting AF.
Let’s talk about the characters, because wow. Just… chef’s kiss. The camaraderie in this book was giving Stranger Thingsmeets The Breakfast Club with a dash of Community if Greendale held summer camp instead of classes. I would 1000% sell my soul to the Upside Down if it meant I could go to Comic Camp with this crew.
Cricket and Charlie? Cutest nerd couple this side of the galaxy. Like, if Han and Leia were modern-day adults who knew every line of Defying Gravity and could also crush a cosplay contest, that’s them. And Charlie? Thinking in pop culture quotes like he was powered by a decade of internet culture and caffeine. Iconic.
Also, the audacity—THE AUDACITY—of Charlie rocking a Lord of the Rings tee without ever reading or watching the trilogy? Gandalf is shaking. Legolas is weeping. Gollum is hissing in disapproval. But fine… I guess he gets a pass, because he won me over faster than Baby Yoda snagging a frog with the Force.
And let’s not forget all the little references sprinkled throughout. This book is like an Easter egg hunt for the pop culture obsessed. Every time I caught a nod to Star Wars, Marvel, or Buffy, I felt like I had unlocked a new achievement. Seriously, this book is a love letter to fandoms wrapped in character development and tied with a glittery Comic-Con lanyard.
Final verdict? NerdPlay didn’t just meet expectations—it Force-choked them into submission. I laughed, I swooned, I made a playlist. If you're a geek, a softie, a shipper, or a chaotic good reader looking for your next favorite found family? Read this book. Then reread it. Then start quoting it without realizing it like Charlie, and confuse your friends in the best way possible.
Let’s talk about the characters, because wow. Just… chef’s kiss. The camaraderie in this book was giving Stranger Thingsmeets The Breakfast Club with a dash of Community if Greendale held summer camp instead of classes. I would 1000% sell my soul to the Upside Down if it meant I could go to Comic Camp with this crew.
Cricket and Charlie? Cutest nerd couple this side of the galaxy. Like, if Han and Leia were modern-day adults who knew every line of Defying Gravity and could also crush a cosplay contest, that’s them. And Charlie? Thinking in pop culture quotes like he was powered by a decade of internet culture and caffeine. Iconic.
Also, the audacity—THE AUDACITY—of Charlie rocking a Lord of the Rings tee without ever reading or watching the trilogy? Gandalf is shaking. Legolas is weeping. Gollum is hissing in disapproval. But fine… I guess he gets a pass, because he won me over faster than Baby Yoda snagging a frog with the Force.
And let’s not forget all the little references sprinkled throughout. This book is like an Easter egg hunt for the pop culture obsessed. Every time I caught a nod to Star Wars, Marvel, or Buffy, I felt like I had unlocked a new achievement. Seriously, this book is a love letter to fandoms wrapped in character development and tied with a glittery Comic-Con lanyard.
Final verdict? NerdPlay didn’t just meet expectations—it Force-choked them into submission. I laughed, I swooned, I made a playlist. If you're a geek, a softie, a shipper, or a chaotic good reader looking for your next favorite found family? Read this book. Then reread it. Then start quoting it without realizing it like Charlie, and confuse your friends in the best way possible.
October 1, 2025
3.75
Overall, this is a fun, cute, and (obviously) nerdy good time.
A nerd camp owner, Courtney (aka Cricket) has land of value and interest to a client of the law firm Charlie works for. His job is to convince her to sell it so that he can land a big promotion and be the youngest person to become a partner. It already feels like a Hallmark movie script, right?
Charlie decides to show up for camp in order to infiltrate and find dirt to force the sell. What he didn't bargain for was all the self-reflection, genuine bonding, and eccentrically lovable people. I absolutely loved reading his character POVs and watching him grow into a version of himself that he never imagined for himself. There's something remarkably potent in reading about a 35 year old man that figures himself out with the help of those he least suspected.
Cricket is guarded but truly loves the people that come to her camp and fosters an environment where for 2 weeks, they shine in their acceptance amongst the other campers. There are activities to suit everyone's interests and space to recooperate with alone time. I love how Charlie also actually SEES her and responds to her presence.
“Your feelings are valid, Charlie. I wouldn’t want you to commit to anything you aren’t ready for.”
“If it helps, you make me feel brave.”
“It costs nothing to be kind”
“Then why do people find it so difficult?”
“Because they view it as a sacrifice instead of an offering.”
There are certainly a LOT of pop culture references, but you would expect that picking it up.
NerdPlay was both entertaining and thought-provoking. I think that's a balance that I look for in a romcom. I would recommend it to people that enjoy romcoms, maybe have a nerdy side, or are just looking for something fun, sweet, and not too heavy to read.
I received an ARC from NerdFam and these opinions are my own.
Overall, this is a fun, cute, and (obviously) nerdy good time.
A nerd camp owner, Courtney (aka Cricket) has land of value and interest to a client of the law firm Charlie works for. His job is to convince her to sell it so that he can land a big promotion and be the youngest person to become a partner. It already feels like a Hallmark movie script, right?
Charlie decides to show up for camp in order to infiltrate and find dirt to force the sell. What he didn't bargain for was all the self-reflection, genuine bonding, and eccentrically lovable people. I absolutely loved reading his character POVs and watching him grow into a version of himself that he never imagined for himself. There's something remarkably potent in reading about a 35 year old man that figures himself out with the help of those he least suspected.
Cricket is guarded but truly loves the people that come to her camp and fosters an environment where for 2 weeks, they shine in their acceptance amongst the other campers. There are activities to suit everyone's interests and space to recooperate with alone time. I love how Charlie also actually SEES her and responds to her presence.
“Your feelings are valid, Charlie. I wouldn’t want you to commit to anything you aren’t ready for.”
“If it helps, you make me feel brave.”
“It costs nothing to be kind”
“Then why do people find it so difficult?”
“Because they view it as a sacrifice instead of an offering.”
There are certainly a LOT of pop culture references, but you would expect that picking it up.
NerdPlay was both entertaining and thought-provoking. I think that's a balance that I look for in a romcom. I would recommend it to people that enjoy romcoms, maybe have a nerdy side, or are just looking for something fun, sweet, and not too heavy to read.
I received an ARC from NerdFam and these opinions are my own.
October 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nerdplay by Annabel Chase
Courtney (aka Cricket) is the owner of a summer camp in the Poconos that has been in her family for years. She's doing everything she can to keep the camp open. Not only for her loyal campers, but for the two weeks at the beginning of each season that she hosts adults for "nerd" camp. To say she and the campers live for this two week stretch would be an understatement. It's when they get to relax, be themselves, and hang with like-minded people.
Charlie is a lawyer whose client won't take no for an answer. He has been tasked with getting Courtney to sell the camp by whatever means possible. If he secures the deal, he will make partner at his firm. He has never been unable to close a deal, so he's not too worried. He meets with her, and of course, she turns him down. So he does what any rational adult would do! He shows up at summer camp, unregistered, as a camper. He will take this two weeks and find something that will cause her to sell the camp to his client.
Well, those two weeks are a bit of an eye-opener for both Courtney and Charlie! They both discover a bit about themselves with help from each other and the other campers. Will Courtney be able to trust and love again? Will Charlie finally put himself first above his parents' demands and choose to be happy? What will happen to the camp?
I loved this book so much! It's a fast-paced read about a quirky group, who is very much a found family. It's a slow burn but low on spice, high on pop culture references, and it all wraps up with the most perfect HEA. I only have one issue... I want to go to "nerd" camp! 😊
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank The Nerd Fam and the author, Annabel Chase, for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
Nerdplay by Annabel Chase
Courtney (aka Cricket) is the owner of a summer camp in the Poconos that has been in her family for years. She's doing everything she can to keep the camp open. Not only for her loyal campers, but for the two weeks at the beginning of each season that she hosts adults for "nerd" camp. To say she and the campers live for this two week stretch would be an understatement. It's when they get to relax, be themselves, and hang with like-minded people.
Charlie is a lawyer whose client won't take no for an answer. He has been tasked with getting Courtney to sell the camp by whatever means possible. If he secures the deal, he will make partner at his firm. He has never been unable to close a deal, so he's not too worried. He meets with her, and of course, she turns him down. So he does what any rational adult would do! He shows up at summer camp, unregistered, as a camper. He will take this two weeks and find something that will cause her to sell the camp to his client.
Well, those two weeks are a bit of an eye-opener for both Courtney and Charlie! They both discover a bit about themselves with help from each other and the other campers. Will Courtney be able to trust and love again? Will Charlie finally put himself first above his parents' demands and choose to be happy? What will happen to the camp?
I loved this book so much! It's a fast-paced read about a quirky group, who is very much a found family. It's a slow burn but low on spice, high on pop culture references, and it all wraps up with the most perfect HEA. I only have one issue... I want to go to "nerd" camp! 😊
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank The Nerd Fam and the author, Annabel Chase, for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
September 25, 2025
Omgosh I love every second of this book. It was so much fun. It was really funny! I laughed out loud several times.
Our book follows Cricket, a self proclaimed nerd and fun spirited gal who owns and runs a 2 week Comic-Camp for adults (followed by a summer kids camp) in the Poconos forest. Charlie, a lawyer fighting to make partner, is tasked with representing the company set on buying Cricket’s land from her. When she tells him she’ll never sell, he decides to join her Comic-Camp… Filled with activities such as robot battles, zombie apocalypse training, DND, Hero 101, Lego club, LARPing, trivia and more, the Gucci loafer wearing lawyer is in for quite the two weeks. Oh and so many pranks.
The character development was great. I loved experiencing their individual growth as well as seeing both of them change through the other’s eyes. I really loved the community in this book as well. I was super invested in all the characters. There are several side characters and we get a little glimpse into their lives as well. It made their friendships and connections with each other that much more powerful. You truly never know what people are going through and how impactful someone’s interests or hobbies can be for them. This book honed in on the importance of self expression, acceptance of one’s self and others and community. The importance of coming together to sharing like minded interests with people you love and trust. Found family. Taking the time for yourself to do things that bring you joy. Being open minded. Realizing you can change your mind at any time and rewrite your story.
I really loved this book and can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have read this.
Our book follows Cricket, a self proclaimed nerd and fun spirited gal who owns and runs a 2 week Comic-Camp for adults (followed by a summer kids camp) in the Poconos forest. Charlie, a lawyer fighting to make partner, is tasked with representing the company set on buying Cricket’s land from her. When she tells him she’ll never sell, he decides to join her Comic-Camp… Filled with activities such as robot battles, zombie apocalypse training, DND, Hero 101, Lego club, LARPing, trivia and more, the Gucci loafer wearing lawyer is in for quite the two weeks. Oh and so many pranks.
The character development was great. I loved experiencing their individual growth as well as seeing both of them change through the other’s eyes. I really loved the community in this book as well. I was super invested in all the characters. There are several side characters and we get a little glimpse into their lives as well. It made their friendships and connections with each other that much more powerful. You truly never know what people are going through and how impactful someone’s interests or hobbies can be for them. This book honed in on the importance of self expression, acceptance of one’s self and others and community. The importance of coming together to sharing like minded interests with people you love and trust. Found family. Taking the time for yourself to do things that bring you joy. Being open minded. Realizing you can change your mind at any time and rewrite your story.
I really loved this book and can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have read this.
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