What do you think?
Rate this book
Gaming and Romance #2
Dates & Dragons
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2025)Quinn Norton está começando do zero em outra escola, e participar de uma nova campanha de D&D parece a maneira ideal de se enturmar. O plano fica ainda mais atrativo quando é convidada para um grupo que inclui Logan Weber, o cara fofo e charmoso que Quinn conheceu no primeiro dia de aula. Mas este não é qualquer grupo de D& eles fazem lives das sessões e têm regras rígidas, como a proibição de celulares, zero tolerância para atrasos e muito menos para dates entre os jogadores.
Desesperada para fazer amigos, ainda mais depois do trauma pelo qual passou na escola antiga, Quinn está disposta a aceitar tudo isso. Ainda mais quando vê que resistir a Logan não será um problema, porque ele vai de simpático para insuportável assim que ela entra no grupo.
Mas, à medida que a implicância entre eles — e entre seus personagens — aumenta, Quinn não pode deixar de se perguntar se o comportamento enfurecedor de Logan não é uma cortina de fumaça para esconder sentimentos mais complexos… só que se aprofundar nisso enquanto mantém as amizades e o jogo intactos vai exigir mais que um d20 nos dados.
Desesperada para fazer amigos, ainda mais depois do trauma pelo qual passou na escola antiga, Quinn está disposta a aceitar tudo isso. Ainda mais quando vê que resistir a Logan não será um problema, porque ele vai de simpático para insuportável assim que ela entra no grupo.
Mas, à medida que a implicância entre eles — e entre seus personagens — aumenta, Quinn não pode deixar de se perguntar se o comportamento enfurecedor de Logan não é uma cortina de fumaça para esconder sentimentos mais complexos… só que se aprofundar nisso enquanto mantém as amizades e o jogo intactos vai exigir mais que um d20 nos dados.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2024
916 people are currently reading
30509 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Boyce
6 books1,385 followersKristy Boyce lives in Columbus, OH and teaches psychology as a senior lecturer at The Ohio State University.
When she’s not spending time with her husband and son, she’s usually writing, reading, putting together fairy gardens, or watching happy reality TV (The Great British Bake-Off and So You Think You Can Dance are perennial favorites).
Kristy is the social media coordinator for Central and Southern Ohio SCBWI.
When she’s not spending time with her husband and son, she’s usually writing, reading, putting together fairy gardens, or watching happy reality TV (The Great British Bake-Off and So You Think You Can Dance are perennial favorites).
Kristy is the social media coordinator for Central and Southern Ohio SCBWI.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,317 reviews
January 30, 2025
"...I'd have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and I was your only source of heat."
SIR SIT DOWN YOU ARE 16 YEARS OLD AND PLAY D&D.
SIR SIT DOWN YOU ARE 16 YEARS OLD AND PLAY D&D.
December 23, 2025
"I miss having people who already know me well enough that I don’t have to explain anything about my life—they just get it."Quinn is going through a bit of a rough patch.
She thought she had this amazing group of friends - ones that she could nerd-out with and play D&D but also talk to them about everything and nothing.
But then one relationship goes a bit sour and all of a sudden, this core group of friends cut her off and she's left reeling in the aftermath.
And so, she's starting over somewhere new and it should be alright (in theory) but it's always difficult to be the nerdy-new-kid.
Then she spots the D20 earrings on Kashvi, and Quinn realizes that she may have found her people at this new school!
She's invited to Kashvi's D&D group and it is a LOT more serious than Quinn remembers - there's the livestream, and the rules (including - NO DATING D&D party members).
And at first, Quinn is just glad to have new friends but the longer she spends with the group, the more she notices him. Logan. And he's noticing her back.
But she WILL be strong because she CANNOT mess up this D&D group...but how can she resist him?
“His eyes trail down me again and I’m anything but cold with the heat rushing through my veins.”
Oh my gawd. If I had to sum up this book: THE PINING.
In the meantime, I’ll try to get used to watching you bite your lower lip without wishing it was me doing that instead.
There's the one-sided pining.
Then, there's the mutual pining.
And how could we forget the pining at morning, noon, and night?
I don't miss the high school years.
Overall, this was a cute story about finding yourself, finding new friends, and discovering what you stand for.
I liked aspects of the book - the D&D bits were the best and I really liked how the author portrayed the group dynamic. I found myself being infected with excitement for their little Saturday adventures.
As a side note, I really liked the DM (Sloane) who uses they/them pronouns. I've read a few books with nonbinary characters and sometimes the pronouns can get a bit jumbled in a group setting (which makes for a frustrating read - are we using 'they' to refer to the group or the individual?) - but the author does an excellent job with even the most complicated scene.
The campaign moments were fun and exciting to read - honestly, I wish the book focused 20-30% more on what was happening in the D&D game and less time with the drama.
The teenage drama and angst is what brought this book down to three stars for me. The pining and the will-they-won't-they (though you (as the reader) pretty much know how the book will turn out from page one) just served to drag things out.
I would have loved for the relationship stuff to have been much tighter and then we could have enjoyed more of the D&D.
Read
June 6, 2025pre-read:
the first book was really cute and i just can’t wait to start with the second book!! ya’s are such great books fr 🥹
the first book was really cute and i just can’t wait to start with the second book!! ya’s are such great books fr 🥹
Want to read
November 26, 2024guess who got the arcccc 😚😚
March 11, 2025
[3.4⭐] 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙨 es un romance juvenil escrito por Kristy Boyce y publicado en 2024. La historia sigue a Quinn Norton, una chica que, tras cambiarse de escuela, busca un nuevo comienzo y decide unirse a un grupo de Calabozos y Dragones para hacer amigos. Lo que parece una buena idea se complica cuando el grupo resulta ser un equipo de streamers con reglas estrictas, incluyendo la prohibición de citas entre miembros. Para Quinn, esto significa que Logan Weber, el chico encantador que conoció el primer día, está fuera de su alcance.
Voy a partir diciendo que este libro me ha entretenido bastante, pero también me ha hecho enojar en varias partes. Me frustra mucho cuando las familias tienen favoritismo hacia los hijos hombres y hacen sentir a las hijas como una carga o una prioridad menor. En este caso, la familia de Quinn es desesperante: sus padres no son capaces de ir a buscarla porque tienen que ver los partidos de su hermano y él puede hacer lo que quiera sin recibir críticas. No quiere ir a ver a su abuela porque tiene entrenamiento y no pasa nada; pero si Quinn se atreve a decir que no puede ir, la reprochan. Es una dinámica familiar que se ve mucho en la realidad y que me genera impotencia cada vez que la encuentro en una historia.
Por otro lado, el estilo de escritura a veces me sacó de la historia. Hay momentos en los que no sabía quién estaba hablando porque el libro se enfoca mucho en el diálogo y deja de lado las descripciones. Es algo que pasa mucho en la literatura juvenil actual y, aunque entiendo la intención de hacer la lectura más ágil, personalmente prefiero un poco más de contexto para evitar perderme en las conversaciones.
Elegí leer este libro porque me recordó mucho a mi pareja. Él es fanático de los juegos de mesa y de Calabozos y Dragones, así que era inevitable que esta historia me llamara la atención. Pero lo más gracioso es que Logan tiene una personalidad que, en varios aspectos, se parece a la de mi novio: es amable, carismático, trata bien a los adultos mayores y, cuando juega, se lo toma en serio al punto de volverse despiadado porque quiere ganar a toda costa. Además, Logan odia los pepinillos y mi pareja también (yo igual los detesto, así que en eso estamos de acuerdo). Cada pequeño detalle del personaje me lo recordó más y más, lo que hizo que le tomara cariño al libro de una forma que no puedo considerar objetiva.
Sin embargo, también encontré algunas inconsistencias en la historia o “redflags”. Por ejemplo, hay una escena en la que Logan se pone celoso del ex de Quinn, pero no tiene sentido porque ni siquiera se conocían cuando ella estaba en esa relación. Es un detalle menor, pero esas pequeñas incoherencias me sacan un poco de la lectura.
A pesar de eso, es un libro diferente, con momentos muy divertidos que me sacaron carcajadas y sonrisas. Todos los personajes son agradables y bien construidos, lo que hizo que les tomara cariño a todos, especialmente a la abuela de Quinn. Es de esos personajes secundarios que se roban la escena cada vez que aparecen y la verdad es que me hubiese encantado ver una subtrama romántica entre ella y Jim. Creo que habría sido un detalle bonito.
El final te deja el corazón calentito y cierra bien la historia. Se solucionan casi todos los conflictos, aunque me hubiera gustado que el tema de las antiguas amistades de Quinn tuviera un cierre más claro. Sin embargo, entiendo que dejarlo así fue una decisión realista: en la vida real, muchas veces dejamos atrás el pasado sin necesidad de enfrentarlo directamente. No siempre hay una gran confrontación con personas que nos hicieron daño, y eso me pareció un punto a favor de la historia.
Por último, este libro logró algo inesperado: hizo que me interesara en Calabozos y Dragones. Mi novio está emocionado con la idea de que yo me involucre más en el juego, al punto de que ya me pidió que le cree un personaje para su próxima campaña. Solo por eso, siento que esta lectura me dejó algo especial y, aunque no sea un libro perfecto, me alegra haberlo leído.
Recomiendo este libro a quienes disfrutan de las novelas románticas con un toque diferente. Si buscas una historia ligera y divertida, con diálogos ingeniosos y personajes interesantes, seguro te sacará más de una sonrisa.
Voy a partir diciendo que este libro me ha entretenido bastante, pero también me ha hecho enojar en varias partes. Me frustra mucho cuando las familias tienen favoritismo hacia los hijos hombres y hacen sentir a las hijas como una carga o una prioridad menor. En este caso, la familia de Quinn es desesperante: sus padres no son capaces de ir a buscarla porque tienen que ver los partidos de su hermano y él puede hacer lo que quiera sin recibir críticas. No quiere ir a ver a su abuela porque tiene entrenamiento y no pasa nada; pero si Quinn se atreve a decir que no puede ir, la reprochan. Es una dinámica familiar que se ve mucho en la realidad y que me genera impotencia cada vez que la encuentro en una historia.
Por otro lado, el estilo de escritura a veces me sacó de la historia. Hay momentos en los que no sabía quién estaba hablando porque el libro se enfoca mucho en el diálogo y deja de lado las descripciones. Es algo que pasa mucho en la literatura juvenil actual y, aunque entiendo la intención de hacer la lectura más ágil, personalmente prefiero un poco más de contexto para evitar perderme en las conversaciones.
Elegí leer este libro porque me recordó mucho a mi pareja. Él es fanático de los juegos de mesa y de Calabozos y Dragones, así que era inevitable que esta historia me llamara la atención. Pero lo más gracioso es que Logan tiene una personalidad que, en varios aspectos, se parece a la de mi novio: es amable, carismático, trata bien a los adultos mayores y, cuando juega, se lo toma en serio al punto de volverse despiadado porque quiere ganar a toda costa. Además, Logan odia los pepinillos y mi pareja también (yo igual los detesto, así que en eso estamos de acuerdo). Cada pequeño detalle del personaje me lo recordó más y más, lo que hizo que le tomara cariño al libro de una forma que no puedo considerar objetiva.
Sin embargo, también encontré algunas inconsistencias en la historia o “redflags”. Por ejemplo, hay una escena en la que Logan se pone celoso del ex de Quinn, pero no tiene sentido porque ni siquiera se conocían cuando ella estaba en esa relación. Es un detalle menor, pero esas pequeñas incoherencias me sacan un poco de la lectura.
A pesar de eso, es un libro diferente, con momentos muy divertidos que me sacaron carcajadas y sonrisas. Todos los personajes son agradables y bien construidos, lo que hizo que les tomara cariño a todos, especialmente a la abuela de Quinn. Es de esos personajes secundarios que se roban la escena cada vez que aparecen y la verdad es que me hubiese encantado ver una subtrama romántica entre ella y Jim. Creo que habría sido un detalle bonito.
El final te deja el corazón calentito y cierra bien la historia. Se solucionan casi todos los conflictos, aunque me hubiera gustado que el tema de las antiguas amistades de Quinn tuviera un cierre más claro. Sin embargo, entiendo que dejarlo así fue una decisión realista: en la vida real, muchas veces dejamos atrás el pasado sin necesidad de enfrentarlo directamente. No siempre hay una gran confrontación con personas que nos hicieron daño, y eso me pareció un punto a favor de la historia.
Por último, este libro logró algo inesperado: hizo que me interesara en Calabozos y Dragones. Mi novio está emocionado con la idea de que yo me involucre más en el juego, al punto de que ya me pidió que le cree un personaje para su próxima campaña. Solo por eso, siento que esta lectura me dejó algo especial y, aunque no sea un libro perfecto, me alegra haberlo leído.
Recomiendo este libro a quienes disfrutan de las novelas románticas con un toque diferente. Si buscas una historia ligera y divertida, con diálogos ingeniosos y personajes interesantes, seguro te sacará más de una sonrisa.
October 24, 2024
As a D&D player, I was morally obligated to read this. And also, that cover is just so cute ❤️
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Dating and Dragons follows Quinn starting at a new high school halfway through her junior year. Hoping to make some friends, she joins a D&D group that takes D&D... very seriously. There's some rules she needs to follow if she wants to play. No distractions. No side conversations. No phones. And most importantly, no dating other players.
Listen, I will scream it from the rooftops. The grandma was the best part of this book. Barbara Clarice Norton is who I aspire to be. Watch out because I'll be playing pickleball while trying to set up my granddaughter with the farmer's son in the near future.
Even though I mostly enjoyed it, I found this book to be unnecessarily dramatic while also not being dramatic enough. But I guess that's what being a 16-year-old is all about. The "no dating other players" rule was a large part of the romance, but it just didn't feel that deep to me. (Maybe because I'm the big age of 25.) It was like, "this is tearing me apart, I want to be with you so much... If only we didn't have this stupid rule that no one actually cares about!"
The much more interesting roadblock to Quinn and Logan's relationship was the events surrounding her past D&D group (no spoilers). So, thinking about being in a relationship with one of the players in her new group comes with it's own connotations. Especially as she just moved here and doesn't have many friends. That felt like the much more realistic reason to not date a player.
I just can never imagine 16-year-olds saying anything remotely mature. I remember being 16. I wouldn't have been caught dead being mature. I mean, I sure thought I was at the time, but no, teenage Jackie was operating on an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex. I mean, saying things like "I'd have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and I was your only source of heat"? No, sorry, a 16-year-old boy did not say that.
Overall, Dating and Dragons was an easy, cute read. However, I just wanted a little bit more out of it, especially those D&D scenes. Because they took the game so seriously, we couldn't have much fun banter or character growth when they played, which was a bummer. I was originally gonna give it 3 ⭐️ but it got an extra half a star because the ending was really cute and had me smiling from ear to ear.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Pre-read:
A D&D themed romance??? You best believe I swooped at the chance to get this on NetGalley. It’s my lucky day.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Dating and Dragons follows Quinn starting at a new high school halfway through her junior year. Hoping to make some friends, she joins a D&D group that takes D&D... very seriously. There's some rules she needs to follow if she wants to play. No distractions. No side conversations. No phones. And most importantly, no dating other players.
Listen, I will scream it from the rooftops. The grandma was the best part of this book. Barbara Clarice Norton is who I aspire to be. Watch out because I'll be playing pickleball while trying to set up my granddaughter with the farmer's son in the near future.
Even though I mostly enjoyed it, I found this book to be unnecessarily dramatic while also not being dramatic enough. But I guess that's what being a 16-year-old is all about. The "no dating other players" rule was a large part of the romance, but it just didn't feel that deep to me. (Maybe because I'm the big age of 25.) It was like, "this is tearing me apart, I want to be with you so much... If only we didn't have this stupid rule that no one actually cares about!"
The much more interesting roadblock to Quinn and Logan's relationship was the events surrounding her past D&D group (no spoilers). So, thinking about being in a relationship with one of the players in her new group comes with it's own connotations. Especially as she just moved here and doesn't have many friends. That felt like the much more realistic reason to not date a player.
I just can never imagine 16-year-olds saying anything remotely mature. I remember being 16. I wouldn't have been caught dead being mature. I mean, I sure thought I was at the time, but no, teenage Jackie was operating on an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex. I mean, saying things like "I'd have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and I was your only source of heat"? No, sorry, a 16-year-old boy did not say that.
Overall, Dating and Dragons was an easy, cute read. However, I just wanted a little bit more out of it, especially those D&D scenes. Because they took the game so seriously, we couldn't have much fun banter or character growth when they played, which was a bummer. I was originally gonna give it 3 ⭐️ but it got an extra half a star because the ending was really cute and had me smiling from ear to ear.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's for providing me early access to Dating and Dragons in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Pre-read:
A D&D themed romance??? You best believe I swooped at the chance to get this on NetGalley. It’s my lucky day.
August 10, 2025
3.75⭐️
So um. I didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped🫥
The new D&D group Quinn joined in after moving into new area has rules, and one of them is that there’s no dating between the members. After her disastrous incident in her last D&D group, she’s on board with the rule. But will it remains like that when something starts to spark between her snd Logan, one of the D&D group member?
TBH I’m not a fan of the romance progression. The sexual tension is too much for a YA book IMO please y’all are just 16 years olds😭 it’s basically insta-attraction and the way the word “hot” being used multiple time to describe the attraction trait is weird. again, THEY’RE 16 YEARS OLD😭😭😭
The group was okay, didn’t feel as wholesome as Nathan’s group but I have no problem with them.
But the last 15% or so was hilarious, I laughed out loud so much. So there’s that. Overall it’s not as cute and fun as Dungeons & Drama But it’s still have its amusing moments. Shoutout to Grandma the real star in this book.
In conclusion Dungeons & Drama remains unbeatable. RileyNathan still owns my heart!
—————————————————
pre-read rants:
IS THIS RELATED TO DUNGEONS AND DRAMA???? PLEASE YES 😭😭 (secretly hoping that this is about hoshiko & lucas but regardless I’ll definitely eat this up)
Edit on 6/6/24: seems like it’s a new character. Excited for this nonetheless!
So um. I didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped🫥
The new D&D group Quinn joined in after moving into new area has rules, and one of them is that there’s no dating between the members. After her disastrous incident in her last D&D group, she’s on board with the rule. But will it remains like that when something starts to spark between her snd Logan, one of the D&D group member?
TBH I’m not a fan of the romance progression. The sexual tension is too much for a YA book IMO please y’all are just 16 years olds😭 it’s basically insta-attraction and the way the word “hot” being used multiple time to describe the attraction trait is weird. again, THEY’RE 16 YEARS OLD😭😭😭
The group was okay, didn’t feel as wholesome as Nathan’s group but I have no problem with them.
But the last 15% or so was hilarious, I laughed out loud so much. So there’s that. Overall it’s not as cute and fun as Dungeons & Drama But it’s still have its amusing moments. Shoutout to Grandma the real star in this book.
In conclusion Dungeons & Drama remains unbeatable. RileyNathan still owns my heart!
—————————————————
pre-read rants:
IS THIS RELATED TO DUNGEONS AND DRAMA???? PLEASE YES 😭😭 (secretly hoping that this is about hoshiko & lucas but regardless I’ll definitely eat this up)
Edit on 6/6/24: seems like it’s a new character. Excited for this nonetheless!
February 17, 2025
જ⁀➴ 3.25 stars
⤿ fun and cute!
⊹ﾟ. 🐉꒱ my thoughts
this was a cute and fun read overall! i did enjoy this one, though probably not as much as 'dungeons & drama' personally. i just feel like the romance in this was a bit insta-lovey? maybe? but they were cute nonetheless!
the live-streaming of their d&d game was interesting to see. but since they’re such a serious group, it also means the rule of no dating other players. i understand why but at the same time i thought this rule was kinda dumb and they were overdramatizing it but anywho.
⊹ﾟ. 🎙️꒱ characters
⤷ quinn
she was fun and quirky, but i felt like she was missing a little depth to her. as a girl who also moved cities starting high school, i could relate to her in that aspect.
her old d&d group made me so mad. like who’s actually that obsessed with her to keep pestering her after she’s moved cities 💀 get over yourself.
quinn being scared to date logan after her history with dating smo in a d&d group made more sense to me over that rule.
⤷ logan
i really liked him actually! he was caring, thoughtful, and so obsessed with quinn from the start. the way he tried to deny his feelings bc of the game tho, aw. plus he’s the farmer’s son so he helps out there and works at an ice cream shop, which i thought was endearing for some reason 🫶🏻
⤷ other characters
the grandma lowkey carried 🙂↕️ one day i wanna be a pickleball-playing grandma who sets her granddaughter up lol. she kinda annoyed me at first but she grew on me.
quinn’s best friend, kashvi, was sweet and i’m glad they became good friends. with the whole d&d group too; i loved the found family aspect.
it was also nice to see quinn’s relationship grow with her brother.
i wanted to punch paige and what’s-his-face.
⊹ﾟ. 🎲꒱ romance
quinn and logan were cuties. like i said, it felt a little insta-lovey but i still liked them—well, i guess it was more like instant obsession with each other from the start but weren’t able to date. so in a way it actually was kind of a slow burn? idk guys i’m conflicted. but the ending made me smile <3
⊹ﾟ. 🀄️꒱ concluding thoughts
if you’re looking for a short, feel-good story about d&d, this is the book for you! 😚
🐉 | pre-review
what a cutesy and fun little read! rtc 😚
🐉 | pre-read
i read 'dungeons and drama' recently and loved it so when i saw this at the bookstore i had to pick it up! also, i didn't realize the release date became earlier?? i still have practically no inkling of what dnd is or how it works but i'm still excited to be reading this one!even tho i was really hoping it was gonna be about hoshiko and lucas 🥲 but hopefully i'll love quinn and logan too <3
⤿ fun and cute!
“All we can do is live it. Live your life, Quinn. Every minute of it. Don’t drift through it—live it.”
⊹ﾟ. 🐉꒱ my thoughts
this was a cute and fun read overall! i did enjoy this one, though probably not as much as 'dungeons & drama' personally. i just feel like the romance in this was a bit insta-lovey? maybe? but they were cute nonetheless!
the live-streaming of their d&d game was interesting to see. but since they’re such a serious group, it also means the rule of no dating other players. i understand why but at the same time i thought this rule was kinda dumb and they were overdramatizing it but anywho.
⊹ﾟ. 🎙️꒱ characters
⤷ quinn
she was fun and quirky, but i felt like she was missing a little depth to her. as a girl who also moved cities starting high school, i could relate to her in that aspect.
her old d&d group made me so mad. like who’s actually that obsessed with her to keep pestering her after she’s moved cities 💀 get over yourself.
quinn being scared to date logan after her history with dating smo in a d&d group made more sense to me over that rule.
⤷ logan
i really liked him actually! he was caring, thoughtful, and so obsessed with quinn from the start. the way he tried to deny his feelings bc of the game tho, aw. plus he’s the farmer’s son so he helps out there and works at an ice cream shop, which i thought was endearing for some reason 🫶🏻
⤷ other characters
the grandma lowkey carried 🙂↕️ one day i wanna be a pickleball-playing grandma who sets her granddaughter up lol. she kinda annoyed me at first but she grew on me.
quinn’s best friend, kashvi, was sweet and i’m glad they became good friends. with the whole d&d group too; i loved the found family aspect.
it was also nice to see quinn’s relationship grow with her brother.
i wanted to punch paige and what’s-his-face.
⊹ﾟ. 🎲꒱ romance
quinn and logan were cuties. like i said, it felt a little insta-lovey but i still liked them—well, i guess it was more like instant obsession with each other from the start but weren’t able to date. so in a way it actually was kind of a slow burn? idk guys i’m conflicted. but the ending made me smile <3
“Believe me, I know what I want. But I also know I’m not allowed to have it.”
⊹ﾟ. 🀄️꒱ concluding thoughts
if you’re looking for a short, feel-good story about d&d, this is the book for you! 😚
🐉 | pre-review
what a cutesy and fun little read! rtc 😚
🐉 | pre-read
i read 'dungeons and drama' recently and loved it so when i saw this at the bookstore i had to pick it up! also, i didn't realize the release date became earlier?? i still have practically no inkling of what dnd is or how it works but i'm still excited to be reading this one!
August 28, 2025
**4.5-stars**
Dating and Dragons is the 2nd-book in the Dungeons and Drama YA-Romance series.
These books are companion novels that revolve around RPG-gaming, in particular, and as you may have guessed from the titles, Dungeons and Dragons.
In this installment, we're following Quinn and Logan. Quinn has recently moved and is starting at a new high school. She hopes that joining a D&D group will be her opportunity to make some new friends.
Logan, is a participant in said D&D group, a bit of a leader and a hunk to boot. He's charming, handsome and genuine, but there's a catch. There's a rule, agreed to by all members that they will not date other members.
Therefore, no matter how much chemistry Quinn and Logan are feeling, they cannot take the bait. Quinn really needs to be a part of this group. She left her old school under bad circumstances, and she's not willing to be friendless again.
But maybe, baby, they could spend some time together secretly. That couldn't hurt? Could it?
I loved this just as much as Dungeons and Drama!! I hope there are going to be more books in this series.
There's something about Boyce's character work that is just so sweet and compelling. I've loved every background of every character in these books.
The gaming element in this one, the D&D group involved, was so great and felt more in-depth than the gaming in the 1st-book. I loved that aspect. I'm not sure if that is true, or just my perception, but I appreciated it nonetheless.
I also adored Quinn as a main character, and even Logan. I'll admit he had me swooning and blushing more than once. The chemistry between them was also so well done.
The secrecy and the way everything was resolved, Boyce did a great job developing all of that. There were moments when I wanted to shake them both (miscommunication, it's a thing), but I still felt like it was realistically portrayed.
I'm not sure what the plan is for this series, if there will be more or not, but if there is, you better believe that I'm 1000% on board for it. These books have both made me giddy with how good they are.
Thank you to the publisher, Delacorte Romance, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to more from Kristy Boyce.
Dating and Dragons is the 2nd-book in the Dungeons and Drama YA-Romance series.
These books are companion novels that revolve around RPG-gaming, in particular, and as you may have guessed from the titles, Dungeons and Dragons.
In this installment, we're following Quinn and Logan. Quinn has recently moved and is starting at a new high school. She hopes that joining a D&D group will be her opportunity to make some new friends.
Logan, is a participant in said D&D group, a bit of a leader and a hunk to boot. He's charming, handsome and genuine, but there's a catch. There's a rule, agreed to by all members that they will not date other members.
Therefore, no matter how much chemistry Quinn and Logan are feeling, they cannot take the bait. Quinn really needs to be a part of this group. She left her old school under bad circumstances, and she's not willing to be friendless again.
But maybe, baby, they could spend some time together secretly. That couldn't hurt? Could it?
I loved this just as much as Dungeons and Drama!! I hope there are going to be more books in this series.
There's something about Boyce's character work that is just so sweet and compelling. I've loved every background of every character in these books.
The gaming element in this one, the D&D group involved, was so great and felt more in-depth than the gaming in the 1st-book. I loved that aspect. I'm not sure if that is true, or just my perception, but I appreciated it nonetheless.
I also adored Quinn as a main character, and even Logan. I'll admit he had me swooning and blushing more than once. The chemistry between them was also so well done.
The secrecy and the way everything was resolved, Boyce did a great job developing all of that. There were moments when I wanted to shake them both (miscommunication, it's a thing), but I still felt like it was realistically portrayed.
I'm not sure what the plan is for this series, if there will be more or not, but if there is, you better believe that I'm 1000% on board for it. These books have both made me giddy with how good they are.
Thank you to the publisher, Delacorte Romance, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to more from Kristy Boyce.
January 5, 2025
Is this book a dragon because Kristy slayyyyyed
![Profile Image for Emily ✞ || [fallon's vrs].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1766779454i%2F182352191._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 26, 2025
1⭐️ | forbidden high school romance | 16+ | PG-13
୨୧ ❝ believe me, I know what I want. but I also know I’m not allowed to have it ❞ ୨୧
꒰🎶꒱ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: alone together ⇾ fall out boy
if I could give this book zero stars, I would
there is one word that describes Quinn and Logan’s relationship: obsession. and no, I don’t mean the cute, completely devoted to you obsession; I mean the unhealthy, stalkerish obsession. honestly, coming from someone who had to leave my own church because of someone like that, this book was a little traumatic
there is nothing to their relationship except lust. I found nothing, nada, about their personalities or interests except D&D, but that’s a given. these teenagers were so horny it was painful to read. I didn’t care for all the innuendos and dirty jokes that, to be frank, weren’t even funny or cute. just creepy
to those who have watched the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episodes (btw, awesome series, I totally recommend), then do you remember the episode when the gang first got their t-phones and Mikey was playing a game on it? pizza arrived, but he was engrossed in his game and eventually had a little freak out trying to decide between pizza and gaming and eventually slammed his face into the pizza box…
to me, Logan was Mikey, Quinn was the pizza, and the phone game was D&D. this wasn’t romance, this was some twisted obsessive version of it
what came out of Logan’s mouth was not romantic. he fantasizes about pinning Quinn to walls and biting her lips (and eventually says it to her face!) and that’s passed off as young love. what the heck? he was worse than Gaston trying to get Belle to marry him, and that’s saying a lot, since Gaston tried to kill the one she loved!
there are minor spoilers in this portion. and what frustrated me more was that all this angst about their romance being forbidden (because the D&D group has rules against dating other members of the D&D group…which was so cliche and…ugh…) was all for nothing! they came clean to the group about theirlust romance and they were all like “cool, whatevs”
okay, y’all, the spoiler part is over
this was an immensely disappointing read because I adored the first book, it’s one of my absolute favorite books! how could this book go so wrong? how? something tells me it’s the cha-ching, or Kristy Boyce just had an idea and it totally flopped. I’m baffled at how this book has such a high rating
{ took this part of my review out for safety reasons. pm me if we’re friends if you'd like to know my original thoughts }
bottom line: hated this book, do not recommend because of content and a lusty plot, and just a real-let down. hopefully my next read is better
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰🔮꒱ content warning (spoiler free)
➸spiritual content:
a mention of worshiping sun deities; a mention of Quinn being the devil incarnate; a character does the cross with with his fingers; mentions of Amish town and shops
➸sexual content:
1 semi-detailed kiss (Quinn is pinned to the wall)
1 mildly detailed kiss
a few quick kissed, one with tongue
2 non-detailed kisses/lip brushes
1 almost kiss
1 wrist kiss, 2 temple kisses, 1 head kiss, 1 freckle/cheek kiss, 1 jaw kiss
Thinking about kissing (lots of it), wanting to kiss, wanting to be pressed against a wall and kiss, and remember kisses
a mention of mooning over each other; a mention of someone ‘always having something to sell, even if its themselves’; a mention of mooning (and Quinn being quick to look away); a mention of leaning seductively; Grandma charms a man and says she has a way with men; teasing about a boy being alone in a bedroom; Logan and Quinn clean out Grandma’s attic and Grandma says to behave themselves but even if they didn’t no one would know since she can’t climb up there; Quinn has Logan climb the ladder first since she’s wearing a skirt; when cleaning the attic Quinn finds Grandma’s old lace liners and is disgusted; a mention of snuggling; a mention of a relationship getting serious; Quinn’s younger brother has a crush on her friend; a mention of two cartoon characters being ‘sexist’ because they wear revealing clothes; Quinn agrees to wear a costume that is a glorified bikini and is worried Logan will pay too much attention to her; the boys stare at Quinn when she’s wearing a cropped top and short skirt with boots; a mention of a staff being in inappropriate places; a mention of clothes clinging to muscles/body; a mention of swooning like a character in a Regency romance; a mention of a pair of leggings making a girls’ butt look good; Quinn is called a tease a few times; a guy leers at Quinn and says he’d like to get to know who she is (suggestive); a mention of a pervy guy; a mention of Quinn’s costume calling attention to her like a bullhorn; Logan says if he touches Quinn he’ll want more; both Quinn and Logan say they need self-control around each other; Andrew says to Quinn ‘you don’t want to know what’s in my dreams’ and she tells him to leave, calling him a perv; a mention of sexual tension; an old man flirts with Grandma; a mention of getting ‘butts handed to you’; a mention of a butt-shaking dance; Logan says he wants to bite Quinn’s lower lip multiple times; a mention of hitting on a girl; Quinn does a dance sitting down described as ‘scooting her butt around the floor’; a mention of hormones; Quinn gets all flushed when she realizes she and Logan are alone in her house; Logan lifts Quinn up onto her counter by the waist then holds onto her thighs (the moment is tense); Andrew thought Quinn and Logan were ‘having fun’ while the house was empty; a mention of making out; a girl says she had to wipe the drool off her chin seeing a guy in a flattering costume; a mention of a girl wanting a few minutes alone in the dark with a boy; Quinn knows Logan is imagining what they could have done alone in an attic; a moment doesn’t want to two alone in a shed and Quinn understands; Logan is obsessed with Quinn’s lips; after Quinn and Logan kiss, he says ‘how am I going to stop kissing you after that?’; a mention of a ‘weird girl thing’; Quinn says her ex kissed like he was trying to suction her lips off with his mouth; Quinn says Logan should show her his shed in much more detail (suggestively implied); a hint that two characters were doing naughty things in a girl’s car; Quinn says she wants to snuggle up against Logan’s chest so that he can zip up his jacket with both them inside and for him to kiss her until she can’t form sentences.
➸language:
3 ‘crap’s; 7 ‘what the hell’s; 1 ‘screwed’; 2 ‘freaking’s; 3 ‘pissed’s; 1 ‘hell broke loose’; 2 ‘hell yes/no’; 2 ‘holly hell’s; 2 ‘badass’s; 1 ‘sh*tty’; 1 ‘what the actual f-‘ (the f-bomb is cut off); 12 ‘oh my god’s; 13 ‘thank god’s; 1 ‘dear god’; 1 ‘omigod’; 1 ‘oh dear Lord’; 2 ‘oh god’s; 1 ‘god’; 1 ‘oh Lord’; 3 ‘twerp’s; 3 ‘stupid’s; 2 ‘jerk’s; 1 ‘prick’; 2 ‘sucks’s; 1 ‘bloody’ (as in lots of blood); 1 ‘shut it’; 6 ‘hot’s
➸drugs/alcohol/smoking:
a mention of a shot glass; a mention of an underaged girl getting drunk; a mention of of Quinn and Logan looking drunk
➸lgtbq+:
there is a non-binary character who is secondary to the plot named Sloane. she always goes by they/them; Sloane also always wears a rainbow hat all the time
➸magic/witchcraft:
mentions of magic, sorcerers, and wizards for the role-playing game; a mention of dice being jinxed; a mention of D&D being witchcraft and devil’s work; a mention of rocking like your possessed
➸violence:
none!
➸other:
a mention of a toxic group/friends; a mention of divorce; a mention of a body bag; a mention of an aneurysm; a mention of bonding over cow poop; a mention of nixing; mentions of kicking butt; a threat to tear someone limb-from-limb
➸possible triggers:
a toxic group/failed friendship, an old woman keeps falling down, mentions of hospitals and urgent care
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰🧙🏼♂️꒱ quotes
➸ ”Then I’d have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and I was your only source of heat.”
{ what? 😍🔫}
➸ I turn to him. “Are you looking for excuses?” “Always. I never want to avoid you, Quinn. But sometimes it feels like I need to, for both our sakes.”
{ there’s something seriously wrong with that statement }
➸ “In the meantime, I’ll try to get used to watching you bite your lower lip without wishing it was me doing that instead.”
{ that’s what it did it for me, I’m sorry }
୨୧ ❝ believe me, I know what I want. but I also know I’m not allowed to have it ❞ ୨୧
꒰🎶꒱ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: alone together ⇾ fall out boy
if I could give this book zero stars, I would
there is one word that describes Quinn and Logan’s relationship: obsession. and no, I don’t mean the cute, completely devoted to you obsession; I mean the unhealthy, stalkerish obsession. honestly, coming from someone who had to leave my own church because of someone like that, this book was a little traumatic
there is nothing to their relationship except lust. I found nothing, nada, about their personalities or interests except D&D, but that’s a given. these teenagers were so horny it was painful to read. I didn’t care for all the innuendos and dirty jokes that, to be frank, weren’t even funny or cute. just creepy
to those who have watched the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles episodes (btw, awesome series, I totally recommend), then do you remember the episode when the gang first got their t-phones and Mikey was playing a game on it? pizza arrived, but he was engrossed in his game and eventually had a little freak out trying to decide between pizza and gaming and eventually slammed his face into the pizza box…
to me, Logan was Mikey, Quinn was the pizza, and the phone game was D&D. this wasn’t romance, this was some twisted obsessive version of it
what came out of Logan’s mouth was not romantic. he fantasizes about pinning Quinn to walls and biting her lips (and eventually says it to her face!) and that’s passed off as young love. what the heck? he was worse than Gaston trying to get Belle to marry him, and that’s saying a lot, since Gaston tried to kill the one she loved!
there are minor spoilers in this portion. and what frustrated me more was that all this angst about their romance being forbidden (because the D&D group has rules against dating other members of the D&D group…which was so cliche and…ugh…) was all for nothing! they came clean to the group about their
okay, y’all, the spoiler part is over
this was an immensely disappointing read because I adored the first book, it’s one of my absolute favorite books! how could this book go so wrong? how? something tells me it’s the cha-ching, or Kristy Boyce just had an idea and it totally flopped. I’m baffled at how this book has such a high rating
{ took this part of my review out for safety reasons. pm me if we’re friends if you'd like to know my original thoughts }
bottom line: hated this book, do not recommend because of content and a lusty plot, and just a real-let down. hopefully my next read is better
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰🔮꒱ content warning (spoiler free)
➸spiritual content:
a mention of worshiping sun deities; a mention of Quinn being the devil incarnate; a character does the cross with with his fingers; mentions of Amish town and shops
➸sexual content:
1 semi-detailed kiss (Quinn is pinned to the wall)
1 mildly detailed kiss
a few quick kissed, one with tongue
2 non-detailed kisses/lip brushes
1 almost kiss
1 wrist kiss, 2 temple kisses, 1 head kiss, 1 freckle/cheek kiss, 1 jaw kiss
Thinking about kissing (lots of it), wanting to kiss, wanting to be pressed against a wall and kiss, and remember kisses
a mention of mooning over each other; a mention of someone ‘always having something to sell, even if its themselves’; a mention of mooning (and Quinn being quick to look away); a mention of leaning seductively; Grandma charms a man and says she has a way with men; teasing about a boy being alone in a bedroom; Logan and Quinn clean out Grandma’s attic and Grandma says to behave themselves but even if they didn’t no one would know since she can’t climb up there; Quinn has Logan climb the ladder first since she’s wearing a skirt; when cleaning the attic Quinn finds Grandma’s old lace liners and is disgusted; a mention of snuggling; a mention of a relationship getting serious; Quinn’s younger brother has a crush on her friend; a mention of two cartoon characters being ‘sexist’ because they wear revealing clothes; Quinn agrees to wear a costume that is a glorified bikini and is worried Logan will pay too much attention to her; the boys stare at Quinn when she’s wearing a cropped top and short skirt with boots; a mention of a staff being in inappropriate places; a mention of clothes clinging to muscles/body; a mention of swooning like a character in a Regency romance; a mention of a pair of leggings making a girls’ butt look good; Quinn is called a tease a few times; a guy leers at Quinn and says he’d like to get to know who she is (suggestive); a mention of a pervy guy; a mention of Quinn’s costume calling attention to her like a bullhorn; Logan says if he touches Quinn he’ll want more; both Quinn and Logan say they need self-control around each other; Andrew says to Quinn ‘you don’t want to know what’s in my dreams’ and she tells him to leave, calling him a perv; a mention of sexual tension; an old man flirts with Grandma; a mention of getting ‘butts handed to you’; a mention of a butt-shaking dance; Logan says he wants to bite Quinn’s lower lip multiple times; a mention of hitting on a girl; Quinn does a dance sitting down described as ‘scooting her butt around the floor’; a mention of hormones; Quinn gets all flushed when she realizes she and Logan are alone in her house; Logan lifts Quinn up onto her counter by the waist then holds onto her thighs (the moment is tense); Andrew thought Quinn and Logan were ‘having fun’ while the house was empty; a mention of making out; a girl says she had to wipe the drool off her chin seeing a guy in a flattering costume; a mention of a girl wanting a few minutes alone in the dark with a boy; Quinn knows Logan is imagining what they could have done alone in an attic; a moment doesn’t want to two alone in a shed and Quinn understands; Logan is obsessed with Quinn’s lips; after Quinn and Logan kiss, he says ‘how am I going to stop kissing you after that?’; a mention of a ‘weird girl thing’; Quinn says her ex kissed like he was trying to suction her lips off with his mouth; Quinn says Logan should show her his shed in much more detail (suggestively implied); a hint that two characters were doing naughty things in a girl’s car; Quinn says she wants to snuggle up against Logan’s chest so that he can zip up his jacket with both them inside and for him to kiss her until she can’t form sentences.
➸language:
3 ‘crap’s; 7 ‘what the hell’s; 1 ‘screwed’; 2 ‘freaking’s; 3 ‘pissed’s; 1 ‘hell broke loose’; 2 ‘hell yes/no’; 2 ‘holly hell’s; 2 ‘badass’s; 1 ‘sh*tty’; 1 ‘what the actual f-‘ (the f-bomb is cut off); 12 ‘oh my god’s; 13 ‘thank god’s; 1 ‘dear god’; 1 ‘omigod’; 1 ‘oh dear Lord’; 2 ‘oh god’s; 1 ‘god’; 1 ‘oh Lord’; 3 ‘twerp’s; 3 ‘stupid’s; 2 ‘jerk’s; 1 ‘prick’; 2 ‘sucks’s; 1 ‘bloody’ (as in lots of blood); 1 ‘shut it’; 6 ‘hot’s
➸drugs/alcohol/smoking:
a mention of a shot glass; a mention of an underaged girl getting drunk; a mention of of Quinn and Logan looking drunk
➸lgtbq+:
there is a non-binary character who is secondary to the plot named Sloane. she always goes by they/them; Sloane also always wears a rainbow hat all the time
➸magic/witchcraft:
mentions of magic, sorcerers, and wizards for the role-playing game; a mention of dice being jinxed; a mention of D&D being witchcraft and devil’s work; a mention of rocking like your possessed
➸violence:
none!
➸other:
a mention of a toxic group/friends; a mention of divorce; a mention of a body bag; a mention of an aneurysm; a mention of bonding over cow poop; a mention of nixing; mentions of kicking butt; a threat to tear someone limb-from-limb
➸possible triggers:
a toxic group/failed friendship, an old woman keeps falling down, mentions of hospitals and urgent care
─────୨♡୧─────
꒰🧙🏼♂️꒱ quotes
➸ ”Then I’d have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and I was your only source of heat.”
{ what? 😍🔫}
➸ I turn to him. “Are you looking for excuses?” “Always. I never want to avoid you, Quinn. But sometimes it feels like I need to, for both our sakes.”
{ there’s something seriously wrong with that statement }
➸ “In the meantime, I’ll try to get used to watching you bite your lower lip without wishing it was me doing that instead.”
{ that’s what it did it for me, I’m sorry }
May 9, 2025
★彡 4.25 stars 彡★
𓅰 𓅬 𓅭 𓅮 𓅯
✎ᝰ. ᏖᏒᎧᎮᏋᏕ ᏗᏖ ᏇᎧᏒᏦ ✎ᝰ.
♖ New Girl In Town
♘ Healing Friendships
♕ Forbidden Love *huffs* (¬_¬")
♔ Meet-cute(Grandma Style)
𓅰 𓅬 𓅭 𓅮 𓅯
♧ ᎷᎩ ᏖᏂᎧᏬᎶᏂᏖᏕ ♧
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ Undoubtedly loved this one more than Dungeons & Drama! Might be because a charming, utterly obsessed MMC is more my type – so is the storyline! (◍•ᴗ•◍)
This was so cute, I could cry tears of blood(uhh, morbid me)! Need to go and search up some synonyms of the word “cute” because this review should be head-to-toe (huh?) decked in words to that effect! I know this book was marketed more or less towards people interested in D&D, but safe to say that I’m now obsessed with this concept. Now, don’t throw d20 die at me, D&D folks, when I say that I thought D&D was an online gaming watchamacallit and not a role-playing game, before these books (ó﹏ò｡) My uncivilised state of being aside, I definitely want to try playing it now, so I can say that Kristy Boyce played her turn right!
The romance? Bless my hyper-heart! Logan, my love… marry me? I swear I’ll educate myself on these D&D matters for you even if I have to turn old and grey, so please have me!I WILL BLEED FOR YOU, I WILL SLAY DRAGONS AND WYVERNS ALIKE IF IT MEANS YOU’LL GRACE ME WITH A SMIRK!
No, seriously… this guy is unbelievably perfect. He’s flirtatious, charming, kind and has a cutesy calf named Susie Q(his mom does, but STILL)? Honestly, what more could a girl want? He’s ridiculously obsessed with Quinn, our FMC, so it’s no wonder I died dead for this devilish angel. Countless times, he said such things that I was blushing nuclear levels and giggling like I was high on love (I was, but that ain’t the point).
My only issue with the romance was the so-called forbidden element to it. Who are you kidding with the whole “Our D&D group has no dating team members” rules? ( ｡ •̀ ᴖ •́ ｡) Unnecessarily dramatic and annoying!
Finally, I aspire to be like the iconic Grandma Barbara. She is officially crowned as my favorite fictional grandma! This sherbet-loving, pickle-ball playing woman is the best wingwoman a granddaughter can ask for. Her pushing Quinn and Logan together was everything I needed to start my busy April right - with some deranged witch cackles.
»»——★ fιnαℓ тнσυgнтѕ ★——««
➳ Throw more of these novels my way, Kristy! ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
P.S. Don’t ask me what pickle-ball is, because I doubt I can explain with my rudimentary knowledge from this book-
｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡
. ♬ ݁˖Long live all the mountains we moved;
I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you ♪
𓅰 𓅬 𓅭 𓅮 𓅯
✎ᝰ. ᏖᏒᎧᎮᏋᏕ ᏗᏖ ᏇᎧᏒᏦ ✎ᝰ.
♖ New Girl In Town
♘ Healing Friendships
♕ Forbidden Love *huffs* (¬_¬")
♔ Meet-cute
𓅰 𓅬 𓅭 𓅮 𓅯
♧ ᎷᎩ ᏖᏂᎧᏬᎶᏂᏖᏕ ♧
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ Undoubtedly loved this one more than Dungeons & Drama! Might be because a charming, utterly obsessed MMC is more my type – so is the storyline! (◍•ᴗ•◍)
This was so cute, I could cry tears of blood
The romance? Bless my hyper-heart! Logan, my love… marry me? I swear I’ll educate myself on these D&D matters for you even if I have to turn old and grey, so please have me!
No, seriously… this guy is unbelievably perfect. He’s flirtatious, charming, kind and has a cutesy calf named Susie Q
My only issue with the romance was the so-called forbidden element to it. Who are you kidding with the whole “Our D&D group has no dating team members” rules? ( ｡ •̀ ᴖ •́ ｡) Unnecessarily dramatic and annoying!
Finally, I aspire to be like the iconic Grandma Barbara. She is officially crowned as my favorite fictional grandma! This sherbet-loving, pickle-ball playing woman is the best wingwoman a granddaughter can ask for. Her pushing Quinn and Logan together was everything I needed to start my busy April right - with some deranged witch cackles.
»»——★ fιnαℓ тнσυgнтѕ ★——««
➳ Throw more of these novels my way, Kristy! ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
P.S. Don’t ask me what pickle-ball is, because I doubt I can explain with my rudimentary knowledge from this book-
｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡
October 28, 2024
Sometimes I read a YA book and I think "I am way too old for this". But sometimes, that YA book has the power to teleport me back in time and make me feel like a giddy teenager again. Kristy Boyce has mastered the art of the latter.
The first book I read from her, Dungeons and Drama, is not only one of my favorite books of the year, but one of my favorite reading experiences of all time. I can't put into words how much that book took me back to my own high school experience. I will admit that Dating and Dragons didn't hit quite the same as Dungeons and Drama for me, however it still gave me that young love butterflies feeling that I want from a YA romance without feeling aggravatingly immature.
This book is VERY heavy on the D&D elements (that sounds obvious from the name of the book, but if you read the first one, you know there was an emphasis on it, but it didn't so much go into detail about the campaign itself), and a decent portion of this book is spent understanding the dynamic of this group of players/friends, their campaign, etc. This was very fun for me as I've never really read anything like that, however I did get a bit bored reading about those elements at points. I never really cared enough about their campaign storyline to want to interrupt the romance/main plotline with details about that. However, it was a nice change of pace from the other books I've been reading lately, so for that I'm not mad. I think some people may really enjoy reading that content as well, so that's definitely not a definitive negative--just a matter of personal preference.
The romance in here was super cute--it definitely felt very young, but in an intentional way if that makes sense. I really liked our FMC and grew to love our MMC as well. However, I didn't really understand the "no dating" rule, which kind of felt like a contrived issue just to drag things out. It didn't ruin the book for me by any means, but it did feel like a non-issue blown into a way bigger issue.
Overall, so happy to have read it and really enjoyed it, but it wasn't a total homerun for me. 3.75 stars rounded up 💜
Thank you so much to Random House Children's | Delacorte Romance for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I feel like the most special girl in the world to have been able to read/review it early.
The first book I read from her, Dungeons and Drama, is not only one of my favorite books of the year, but one of my favorite reading experiences of all time. I can't put into words how much that book took me back to my own high school experience. I will admit that Dating and Dragons didn't hit quite the same as Dungeons and Drama for me, however it still gave me that young love butterflies feeling that I want from a YA romance without feeling aggravatingly immature.
This book is VERY heavy on the D&D elements (that sounds obvious from the name of the book, but if you read the first one, you know there was an emphasis on it, but it didn't so much go into detail about the campaign itself), and a decent portion of this book is spent understanding the dynamic of this group of players/friends, their campaign, etc. This was very fun for me as I've never really read anything like that, however I did get a bit bored reading about those elements at points. I never really cared enough about their campaign storyline to want to interrupt the romance/main plotline with details about that. However, it was a nice change of pace from the other books I've been reading lately, so for that I'm not mad. I think some people may really enjoy reading that content as well, so that's definitely not a definitive negative--just a matter of personal preference.
The romance in here was super cute--it definitely felt very young, but in an intentional way if that makes sense. I really liked our FMC and grew to love our MMC as well. However, I didn't really understand the "no dating" rule, which kind of felt like a contrived issue just to drag things out. It didn't ruin the book for me by any means, but it did feel like a non-issue blown into a way bigger issue.
Overall, so happy to have read it and really enjoyed it, but it wasn't a total homerun for me. 3.75 stars rounded up 💜
Thank you so much to Random House Children's | Delacorte Romance for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I feel like the most special girl in the world to have been able to read/review it early.
November 6, 2024
──♡ ˙ ̟ 📚 4.0⋆ ༘♡ ⋆｡
I don't know but i always fall for the covers of this book, this was no exception, i bought it and started reading it 3 days later, i had never read this author and i was surprised, a bit of teen romance, promiscuous stuff and nothing that wasn't uncomfortable as teen themes go, i loved it
SLOW ROMANCE ! mainly loving the slow romance, other than being too, but too sweet and tender a romance.
I think i had to read the first book? because someone didn't tell me? because i wasn't told there was a first one? I just wasn't aware of it, but it didn't influence my reading.
“Your cheeks are pink from the cold. It makes you look even prettier than usual.”
SO CUTE: I SCREAM INTERNALLY.
although I would have liked to read it in high school.
I don't know but i always fall for the covers of this book, this was no exception, i bought it and started reading it 3 days later, i had never read this author and i was surprised, a bit of teen romance, promiscuous stuff and nothing that wasn't uncomfortable as teen themes go, i loved it
SLOW ROMANCE ! mainly loving the slow romance, other than being too, but too sweet and tender a romance.
I think i had to read the first book? because someone didn't tell me? because i wasn't told there was a first one? I just wasn't aware of it, but it didn't influence my reading.
“Your cheeks are pink from the cold. It makes you look even prettier than usual.”
SO CUTE: I SCREAM INTERNALLY.
although I would have liked to read it in high school.
April 4, 2025
BE STILL MY GEEKY HEART!! Another banger by Kristy Boyce, she needs to keep 'em coming.
I was a lil (but just a lil) bit afraid this one wouldn't be as amazing as the first one, but I needn't have worried. I'm so sorry for doubting you, Miss Boyce, I'll never do that again.
I had a great time with the story and characters, and was so into their role playing that I was on the edge of my seat during the gaming sessions. I felt as if I was in the book myself, playing D&D with them.
The romance was adorable, as expected. It had me smiling all over the place. I love the way this author writes romantic scenes.
And the grandma??? Arguably the best character. She was so fun!! I wanna be her when I grow up.
One of my favourite things is how D&D slowly became a family (and beyond) affair, like yess spread the joy all around, everyone is welcome to join.
I am a bit sad that this wasn't a direct spinoff of the first book with Hoshiko and Lucas, but maybe their book is in the works. Either way, I can't wait for the next one.
I was a lil (but just a lil) bit afraid this one wouldn't be as amazing as the first one, but I needn't have worried. I'm so sorry for doubting you, Miss Boyce, I'll never do that again.
I had a great time with the story and characters, and was so into their role playing that I was on the edge of my seat during the gaming sessions. I felt as if I was in the book myself, playing D&D with them.
The romance was adorable, as expected. It had me smiling all over the place. I love the way this author writes romantic scenes.
And the grandma??? Arguably the best character. She was so fun!! I wanna be her when I grow up.
One of my favourite things is how D&D slowly became a family (and beyond) affair, like yess spread the joy all around, everyone is welcome to join.
I am a bit sad that this wasn't a direct spinoff of the first book with Hoshiko and Lucas, but maybe their book is in the works. Either way, I can't wait for the next one.
![Profile Image for dee ౨ৎ [ia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1755650851i%2F148265984._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 19, 2025
— 3 stars ★
⤿ arc review
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖
i’m gonna start with what’s “negative”. my main (and only) issue with this book is that there was a little too much happening for its length, which took away from us being able to see quinn and logan’s relationship grow. other than that i loved the plot, i just wish we had a it wasn’t as overly packed with plot lines.
quinn. i really like her character, but there’s one issue: sometimes she seems a bit dull. i think it’s mainly because she lacks a lot of depth.
logan. excuse me who gave him the right to be so perfect? he had no right. i was giggling and kicking my feet at everything this man said. no but in all seriousness i love him and his love for quinn is adorable
members of the d&d group. i loved them all, just wasn’t as interested in them as the other characters. i loved the dynamic between quinn and the d&d group and the found family aspect
a little moment for paige. paige when i catch you paige. you better be sleeping with one eye open at night
— minor spoilers in quotes!
⊹ “what could he possibly say other than you’re gorgeous?”
⊹ “you’re addicting, quinn. i talk to you for a minute, and it makes me want to talk for an hour. i touch you for a second . . .” “and i’m going to want more.”
⊹ “then i’d have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and i was your only source of heat.”
⊹ “i love her, and if you say she has to leave, then i’m leaving with her.”
the romance had me smiling from ear to ear. their scenes together were the cutest, just one thing i didn’t love was the instant attraction they had for each other but that’s just a personal thing and you could still tell they genuinely loved each other
ೃ⁀➷ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review.
· · ─── ·𖥸· ─── · ·
˖ pre-read♟ .𖥔 ݁ ˖┆ i need this arc omg 🙏
edit: I GOT THE ARC, I GOT THE ARC. THIS IS NOT A DRILL
⤿ arc review
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖
i’m gonna start with what’s “negative”. my main (and only) issue with this book is that there was a little too much happening for its length, which took away from us being able to see quinn and logan’s relationship grow. other than that i loved the plot, i just wish we had a it wasn’t as overly packed with plot lines.
quinn. i really like her character, but there’s one issue: sometimes she seems a bit dull. i think it’s mainly because she lacks a lot of depth.
logan. excuse me who gave him the right to be so perfect? he had no right. i was giggling and kicking my feet at everything this man said. no but in all seriousness i love him and his love for quinn is adorable
members of the d&d group. i loved them all, just wasn’t as interested in them as the other characters. i loved the dynamic between quinn and the d&d group and the found family aspect
a little moment for paige. paige when i catch you paige. you better be sleeping with one eye open at night
— minor spoilers in quotes!
⊹ “what could he possibly say other than you’re gorgeous?”
⊹ “you’re addicting, quinn. i talk to you for a minute, and it makes me want to talk for an hour. i touch you for a second . . .” “and i’m going to want more.”
⊹ “then i’d have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and i was your only source of heat.”
⊹ “i love her, and if you say she has to leave, then i’m leaving with her.”
the romance had me smiling from ear to ear. their scenes together were the cutest, just one thing i didn’t love was the instant attraction they had for each other but that’s just a personal thing and you could still tell they genuinely loved each other
ೃ⁀➷ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review.
· · ─── ·𖥸· ─── · ·
˖ pre-read♟ .𖥔 ݁ ˖┆ i need this arc omg 🙏
edit: I GOT THE ARC, I GOT THE ARC. THIS IS NOT A DRILL
January 17, 2025
Like book 1 - Cuteness overload.
This did have a bit 'more' to it and I really appreciated it.
This did have a bit 'more' to it and I really appreciated it.
April 21, 2025
that has to be a new record for how fast i’ve read a book. (8 hours—i’m slow okay!!)
this was just as good as dungeons and drama!! i literally cannot find a single thing wrong with this. it was just SO adorable and nerdy and fast-paced. i highly recommend this to anyone wanting to get out of a slump. <3 kristy boyce, let me know when your next book drops because i WILL be reading it.
this was just as good as dungeons and drama!! i literally cannot find a single thing wrong with this. it was just SO adorable and nerdy and fast-paced. i highly recommend this to anyone wanting to get out of a slump. <3 kristy boyce, let me know when your next book drops because i WILL be reading it.
September 26, 2025
Smutno mi, bo Dungeons&Drama bardzo mi się podobało, ale to? Płaskie jak naleśnik, nuda, zero chemii… Nudziłam się zamiast chichotać, a nie tak powinno być.
February 14, 2025
I am just in love. Like I love the cover I love the characters I love Logan I just love everything
February 14, 2025
: ̗̀➛ started on 2/7/25
: ̗̀➛ finished on 2/14/25
4 🌟
this is why i read books. the way i giggled, kicked my feet, and swooned non-stop during this book? unmatched 🤭
i love every character's dynamic in this book (besides her ex friends of course). i loved logan, quinn, kashvi, andrew, the dad, mom, grandma, literally everyoneee 😭 this book is so pure!!
though it is a series, these books are NOT interconnected (unless i cant remember anything..) but they both involve dungeons and dragons. though i rated the first book higher (i was a less harsh rather at the time), this book was sooo much better!!
--
loved the first book, and i need something to obsess over so i hopeeee i love this one too!!
- mod read for my book club <3
: ̗̀➛ finished on 2/14/25
4 🌟
this is why i read books. the way i giggled, kicked my feet, and swooned non-stop during this book? unmatched 🤭
i love every character's dynamic in this book (besides her ex friends of course). i loved logan, quinn, kashvi, andrew, the dad, mom, grandma, literally everyoneee 😭 this book is so pure!!
though it is a series, these books are NOT interconnected (unless i cant remember anything..) but they both involve dungeons and dragons. though i rated the first book higher (i was a less harsh rather at the time), this book was sooo much better!!
--
loved the first book, and i need something to obsess over so i hopeeee i love this one too!!
- mod read for my book club <3
October 2, 2025
3.5 🌟 czasem fajnie jest sobie przeczytać taką słodką młodzieżówkę. Było cute, uwielbiam nerdowe romanse 💖
November 21, 2025
“if that self-control of yours had dropped a moment ago?”
“Then I’d have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and I was your only source of heat.”
teens these days 🫢😭
honestly. HONESTLY. this wasn’t bad. It was kind of cute 🥹 I wanted another ya and I didn’t have high expectations because I don’t play D&D. And while D&D was a huge concept in the book, it was easily to follow along with the live streaming and gaming, the costumes and the comic events. it love reading books with characters that have interesting interests and reading a book about a whole group of them ?? Adorable. I loveee the friend group!!! They were so wholesome and I loved how they handled the bullying and online criticism.
“I can’t figure out what’s going on with us.”
“I can’t either.”
I look up to the sky and blow out a frustrated breath. “Then that’s even worse.”
I also liked the added relationship development between quinn and her brother, andrew. I was hoping in the beginning that I’ll see them grow closer and it was nice to see it happen in slow steps.
the grandma was quite a character. she was a blast to read and obviously our no.1 shipper ✨✨
quinn and logan were honestly so cute together, i love how they handled their feelings and the fact that they told the group first, because i was fully expecting a messy third act break up but instead got a very sweet and mature reaction and confession.
i just realised - i really did enjoy this book didn’t I? I didn’t think I did up until I started writing this review lol💗 good to know
“Then I’d have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and I was your only source of heat.”
teens these days 🫢😭
honestly. HONESTLY. this wasn’t bad. It was kind of cute 🥹 I wanted another ya and I didn’t have high expectations because I don’t play D&D. And while D&D was a huge concept in the book, it was easily to follow along with the live streaming and gaming, the costumes and the comic events. it love reading books with characters that have interesting interests and reading a book about a whole group of them ?? Adorable. I loveee the friend group!!! They were so wholesome and I loved how they handled the bullying and online criticism.
“I can’t figure out what’s going on with us.”
“I can’t either.”
I look up to the sky and blow out a frustrated breath. “Then that’s even worse.”
I also liked the added relationship development between quinn and her brother, andrew. I was hoping in the beginning that I’ll see them grow closer and it was nice to see it happen in slow steps.
the grandma was quite a character. she was a blast to read and obviously our no.1 shipper ✨✨
quinn and logan were honestly so cute together, i love how they handled their feelings and the fact that they told the group first, because i was fully expecting a messy third act break up but instead got a very sweet and mature reaction and confession.
i just realised - i really did enjoy this book didn’t I? I didn’t think I did up until I started writing this review lol💗 good to know
February 22, 2025
This story was cute, especially all of the possibilities of romance scenes. The forbidden love with Logan had me swooning. He said all of the sweet things! I like the grandma. Quinn and her brother's sibling relationship was good especially when they face off with each other's love interests. This story has good humor. The friends group were fun. The live gaming was interesting. I have seen a K-drama on Netflix about playing games live so this story made me think of that show.
This story followed Quinn. Her family just moved closer to her grandma. Her grandma dropped her and her brother off at the new school. They transferred mid-year. Her grandma waved over a random guy to take her first-day-of-school picture. Quinn was mortified but had to go through with it. Quinn's younger brother dashed off as the car stopped. They're both in high school. Quinn noticed the guy was part of a group of friends and one girl had on earrings that looked familiar. Later while looking for after school activities, the girl came up to Quinn. Quinn told her she liked to play D&D. The girl invited her over to her house. Quinn was surprised that their level of games was more sophisticated than she had ever done. She decided to join but the guy that took her picture was unhappy about it. Later she learned that he was unhappy only because of their team rules; no dating each other.. but that doesn't stop them from growing fond of each other.. They tried to fight their attraction towards each other but grandma was unexpectedly playing the match maker.
I unintentionally read this book without reading book 1. It's okay since this book takes place in a new school with a whole new group of friends.
I haven't played D&D before so while they played, I'm waiting for the scenes until Logan and Quinn are together because they are cute together. I enjoyed the audiobook.
Thank you Love Underlined and PRHAudio for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
This story followed Quinn. Her family just moved closer to her grandma. Her grandma dropped her and her brother off at the new school. They transferred mid-year. Her grandma waved over a random guy to take her first-day-of-school picture. Quinn was mortified but had to go through with it. Quinn's younger brother dashed off as the car stopped. They're both in high school. Quinn noticed the guy was part of a group of friends and one girl had on earrings that looked familiar. Later while looking for after school activities, the girl came up to Quinn. Quinn told her she liked to play D&D. The girl invited her over to her house. Quinn was surprised that their level of games was more sophisticated than she had ever done. She decided to join but the guy that took her picture was unhappy about it. Later she learned that he was unhappy only because of their team rules; no dating each other.. but that doesn't stop them from growing fond of each other.. They tried to fight their attraction towards each other but grandma was unexpectedly playing the match maker.
I unintentionally read this book without reading book 1. It's okay since this book takes place in a new school with a whole new group of friends.
I haven't played D&D before so while they played, I'm waiting for the scenes until Logan and Quinn are together because they are cute together. I enjoyed the audiobook.
Thank you Love Underlined and PRHAudio for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
![Profile Image for lami ♡ [eyes on sudan].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1766353527i%2F145244264._UY200_CR3%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 20, 2025
☆ ── three point seven-five stars 💌
have you ever experienced the triumphs and defeats, the epic highs and lows of high school d&d?! This was a bit too instant-love(y) for me, but it was cute and cringe (complimentary). i love the first book much more, but i'm still very excited for the next one.
have you ever experienced the triumphs and defeats, the epic highs and lows of high school d&d?! This was a bit too instant-love(y) for me, but it was cute and cringe (complimentary). i love the first book much more, but i'm still very excited for the next one.
October 28, 2025
5🌟
going back to give this book five stars LOL
This book was SO fun & so cute!! I haven’t read YA romance since i was in highschool, but this one 100% was the perfect reintroduction to them! I loved how the story developed and also focused on friendship, their D&D campaign (loved this as a d&d nerd), and the relationship between her and her grandma!
Logan and Quinn were so so fun to read about. The slowburn and tension between them was so well done! I loved the mix of forbidden romance and teenage love, it was so cute! I also LOVED how the quality time they spent together mixed with Logan being a genuine friend added so much to their development!
Also, love love the female friendship in this book and how Quinn finds new friends that respect & love her! It was so cute.
Even if you are not familiar with D&D or even YA romance, I highly recommend giving this book a try because it was adorable :)
Thank you so much Random House Children’s & Netgalley for the earc of this book! All opinions are mine :)!!
going back to give this book five stars LOL
This book was SO fun & so cute!! I haven’t read YA romance since i was in highschool, but this one 100% was the perfect reintroduction to them! I loved how the story developed and also focused on friendship, their D&D campaign (loved this as a d&d nerd), and the relationship between her and her grandma!
Logan and Quinn were so so fun to read about. The slowburn and tension between them was so well done! I loved the mix of forbidden romance and teenage love, it was so cute! I also LOVED how the quality time they spent together mixed with Logan being a genuine friend added so much to their development!
Also, love love the female friendship in this book and how Quinn finds new friends that respect & love her! It was so cute.
Even if you are not familiar with D&D or even YA romance, I highly recommend giving this book a try because it was adorable :)
Thank you so much Random House Children’s & Netgalley for the earc of this book! All opinions are mine :)!!
February 19, 2025
”Because I noticed you.”
2/2 for this author!! she writes such cute romance books and despite this being a slowburn, i loved all of our charavters sm and the plot was really great!
2/2 for this author!! she writes such cute romance books and despite this being a slowburn, i loved all of our charavters sm and the plot was really great!
dnf
February 18, 2025I think Boyce does a really good job writing teenagers and maybe that’s part of why this book is giving me way too much anxiety to continue. In theory I really should’ve loved this, but I hated the scenario so much. As someone in two long term very role play heavy dnd campaigns, the streaming aspect of this made it feel less like fun and more like a job and the dnd related arguments that were supposed to build tension and relationships have been giving me anxiety and making me really dislike the dnd group. This is also kind of my nightmare dnd group based on how weird they are about stuff but I suppose most groups of high schoolers would be my nightmare dnd group as a 26 year old, so I’m just going to take the L and stop this before I get too anxious and annoyed for no reason. All I really have to end on is that Logan made the most basic back story, rangers are HALF CASTERS so the party would have been balanced (also who cares if the party is balanced, do what you want, failing is half the fun), and your class/race does NOT make or break your experience in any way, it’s your group of freaks (complimentary) that you’re role playing with and the fun you have playing make believe.
dnf @ 23%
dnf @ 23%
December 23, 2024
What a sweet YA romance! I haven’t read a YA romance in a long time but I definitely fell in love with Quinn and Logan.
A fun and quick sweet escape! I’ve really started to become a fan of gaming romances.
Quinn is the perfect MFC to fall in love with. She’s coming to a new school with having been hurt and burned by her previous D & D group. She is vulnerable, raw, perfect in every way!
Quinn finds a new D & D group with a boy that catches her eye. But, can she keep her new friends and fall in love with the MMC?
Logan the MMC ugh how can you not swoon over him! Loved him!
This book was so adorable and I honestly was obsessed with Quinn’s grandmother Barbara. SHE is a sassy one.
I really would love to see a romance next for Sloan 😏.
Def enjoyed this and looking forward to the next romance from Boyce.
4/5 stars
A fun and quick sweet escape! I’ve really started to become a fan of gaming romances.
Quinn is the perfect MFC to fall in love with. She’s coming to a new school with having been hurt and burned by her previous D & D group. She is vulnerable, raw, perfect in every way!
Quinn finds a new D & D group with a boy that catches her eye. But, can she keep her new friends and fall in love with the MMC?
Logan the MMC ugh how can you not swoon over him! Loved him!
This book was so adorable and I honestly was obsessed with Quinn’s grandmother Barbara. SHE is a sassy one.
I really would love to see a romance next for Sloan 😏.
Def enjoyed this and looking forward to the next romance from Boyce.
4/5 stars
December 17, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
A cute and fast read but more juvenile than I was hoping for.
I enjoyed the first one, but this one seem significantly younger than the first. I also feel like there wasn't as much D&D in this one, which is so interesting and fun to read about.
I liked Logan (as much as you can who is more than 1/2 your age 🫠), but I was having issues with Quinn, she just seemed kinda bland and another ones of those characters where you're not really seeing the appeal for their interest.
But I think this is a good series for those who enjoy young adult stores.
A cute and fast read but more juvenile than I was hoping for.
I enjoyed the first one, but this one seem significantly younger than the first. I also feel like there wasn't as much D&D in this one, which is so interesting and fun to read about.
I liked Logan (as much as you can who is more than 1/2 your age 🫠), but I was having issues with Quinn, she just seemed kinda bland and another ones of those characters where you're not really seeing the appeal for their interest.
But I think this is a good series for those who enjoy young adult stores.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,317 reviews