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Lithium & Let's Plays
Tess wants nothing more than to return to college, but after her first manic episode, with psychosis, she must take a medical leave from school to recover and understand her bipolar diagnosis. When everything feels outside of her control, she finds solace in a popular competitive video game.
Online, she meets Cade, and they begin to find success competing together for money. Tess loves having a teammate who doesn't know about all her baggage. Over time, their chemistry starts to reach a new level. After qualifying for an in-person tournament, Tess realizes that it may be impossible to keep these two parts of her life separate, and Cade might not be everything she made him out to be.
Online, she meets Cade, and they begin to find success competing together for money. Tess loves having a teammate who doesn't know about all her baggage. Over time, their chemistry starts to reach a new level. After qualifying for an in-person tournament, Tess realizes that it may be impossible to keep these two parts of her life separate, and Cade might not be everything she made him out to be.
- GenresRomance
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2025
About the author
Kelly Waters
3 books10 followersI am a creative soul, a dreamer, and a lover of fiction. I often say I am someone who can’t pick a lane because so many different creative fields intrigue me.
I’ve wanted to be an author since the third grade. In fifth grade, I wrote my first novel in an oversized journal from the Hallmark store. In high school, I wrote a mess of a science fiction and dystopia. Throughout college, I participated in creative writing courses, and at Penn State, I joined the Creative Writing Club.
I sharpened my skills, found lifelong friends who pushed me to write, and finished my debut novel, “Lithium and Let’s Plays.” Outside of writing prose, I write music, poetry, make art, and work in tech.
I’ve wanted to be an author since the third grade. In fifth grade, I wrote my first novel in an oversized journal from the Hallmark store. In high school, I wrote a mess of a science fiction and dystopia. Throughout college, I participated in creative writing courses, and at Penn State, I joined the Creative Writing Club.
I sharpened my skills, found lifelong friends who pushed me to write, and finished my debut novel, “Lithium and Let’s Plays.” Outside of writing prose, I write music, poetry, make art, and work in tech.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 5, 2025
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book.
A new and refreshing look at the romance genre- Lithium and Let’s Plays perfectly blends fun and lighthearted moments with a more serious dive into the struggles of mental health.
I really enjoyed reading this novel as someone who is naive to video game lingo and the competitive gaming world. Kelly’s storytelling is easy to follow and gripping as we see how Tess and Cade’s relationship grows over their shared passion.
An incredible debut novel- I am excited to read more from this budding author!
A new and refreshing look at the romance genre- Lithium and Let’s Plays perfectly blends fun and lighthearted moments with a more serious dive into the struggles of mental health.
I really enjoyed reading this novel as someone who is naive to video game lingo and the competitive gaming world. Kelly’s storytelling is easy to follow and gripping as we see how Tess and Cade’s relationship grows over their shared passion.
An incredible debut novel- I am excited to read more from this budding author!
July 1, 2025
“She was beyond elated by her performance, but the weight of that happening without Cade started to sink in. The fact that she hadn't spoken to him yet, that she didn't even have the answers for what the press might be asking her. Crash. For what her friends would be asking her. Crash. The answers that she wanted to know. Crash. Did she want to know? Crash.”
-5 stars-
Tropes:
- Met online
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Slow burn
- Mental health rep
- Friends to lovers
Spice:
1/5
Oh my gosh!!
This has to probably of been one of the cutest most sweet romance books I've read this year!! I devoured this sweet romance book!
I LOVE the mental health rep. I feel like in romance books mental health often gets over looked and I loved seeing this in here. I think mental health awareness is really important and I love that Kelly Waters included mental health awareness in her book.
Lithium & Let's Plays is an amazingly sweet romance book that follows Tess a girl that has a rather bad past and one day when she is watching her favorite video game streamer she notices a new person (boy) playing on the stream. She does (or rather says something) that she will never be able to take back and eventually leads her to streaming/playing with a special someone.
I loved Tess in this book almost as much as I loved Cade! I love the way that Kelly Waters made basically all of the characters have flaws and not like every other perfect character in a book.
The writing of Lithium & Let's Plays was probably one of the biggest reasons why I loved this book. I feel like the writing was just so on point and so easy and fun to follow and read.
Overall, an amazing book that will make your heart melt and make you smile the whole way through. Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!
“A wave hit Tess. A wave that had formed early this morning and waited patiently as she competed before it crashed back down on her now.”
-5 stars-
Tropes:
- Met online
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Slow burn
- Mental health rep
- Friends to lovers
Spice:
1/5
Oh my gosh!!
This has to probably of been one of the cutest most sweet romance books I've read this year!! I devoured this sweet romance book!
I LOVE the mental health rep. I feel like in romance books mental health often gets over looked and I loved seeing this in here. I think mental health awareness is really important and I love that Kelly Waters included mental health awareness in her book.
Lithium & Let's Plays is an amazingly sweet romance book that follows Tess a girl that has a rather bad past and one day when she is watching her favorite video game streamer she notices a new person (boy) playing on the stream. She does (or rather says something) that she will never be able to take back and eventually leads her to streaming/playing with a special someone.
I loved Tess in this book almost as much as I loved Cade! I love the way that Kelly Waters made basically all of the characters have flaws and not like every other perfect character in a book.
The writing of Lithium & Let's Plays was probably one of the biggest reasons why I loved this book. I feel like the writing was just so on point and so easy and fun to follow and read.
Overall, an amazing book that will make your heart melt and make you smile the whole way through. Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!
“A wave hit Tess. A wave that had formed early this morning and waited patiently as she competed before it crashed back down on her now.”
August 4, 2025
Note: I received an advance copy of this book. This was a really lovely page-turner — Kelly Waters excels in writing about a deeply personal and serious topic while also keeping the tone and mood of the novel lighthearted and fun to read. She not only delves into the personal mental health struggles of the main character, but explores additional important topics as well such as drug addiction, issues regarding the mental health treatment system, and changes in friendship and family dynamics — all with the dreamy and exciting video game world as a backdrop. The balance/pacing between fun moments where Tess thrives in playing DuskCabins and tries to overcome hardships in her mental health journey, is really what kept me hooked and excited to read more. I also appreciated how this story is really driven by Tess herself, and that Cade, the love interest, is a complementary or supporting character rather than one who solves all her problems. All in all, it was a super fun and insightful read, and I'd recommend it to anyone who comes across it!
August 10, 2025
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
0.🌶️
As a gamer who suffers with mental health, this hits a personal spot with me. It gives people a voice that sometimes is never heard. Many times in my years have I used gaming with friends as a tool to deal with the dark days and it’s been there every time I’ve needed it.
The debut novel of Kelly Waters, it’s fun, ever so slightly spicy, deeply emotional, a story of recovery, and so brilliantly written.
And when I say emotional, I mean deep, detailed & excellent portrayed when going into mental health and addiction.
(Please check your triggers folks)
Of course the book is also given a fun lighthearted theme outside of these topics & it delves into the world of gaming to do just that.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely
But please as I’ve mentioned prior, check your triggers, this book deals with some heavy topics.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to adv read Lithium & Let’s Play
0.🌶️
As a gamer who suffers with mental health, this hits a personal spot with me. It gives people a voice that sometimes is never heard. Many times in my years have I used gaming with friends as a tool to deal with the dark days and it’s been there every time I’ve needed it.
The debut novel of Kelly Waters, it’s fun, ever so slightly spicy, deeply emotional, a story of recovery, and so brilliantly written.
And when I say emotional, I mean deep, detailed & excellent portrayed when going into mental health and addiction.
(Please check your triggers folks)
Of course the book is also given a fun lighthearted theme outside of these topics & it delves into the world of gaming to do just that.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely
But please as I’ve mentioned prior, check your triggers, this book deals with some heavy topics.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to adv read Lithium & Let’s Play
August 4, 2025
Okay I absolutely loved this book!!
I knew I was going to like it as I’m a gamer myself and I actually got to know my partner whilst playing video games together! So this story had a special place in my heart!
The FMC suffers with Bipolar and I think this was really good to see some awareness around this. It was written so well that you could spot when she was starting to have manic thoughts.
The MMC also has struggles of his own and this was portrayed really well.
Overall this was an amazing book and a beautiful connection was made over trauma and video games ❤️
Really fun and brilliant read! Thank you to the author for the early eARC!! ❤️
I knew I was going to like it as I’m a gamer myself and I actually got to know my partner whilst playing video games together! So this story had a special place in my heart!
The FMC suffers with Bipolar and I think this was really good to see some awareness around this. It was written so well that you could spot when she was starting to have manic thoughts.
The MMC also has struggles of his own and this was portrayed really well.
Overall this was an amazing book and a beautiful connection was made over trauma and video games ❤️
Really fun and brilliant read! Thank you to the author for the early eARC!! ❤️
August 3, 2025
Honestly I give this book 4.75 🌟
There was just something about this book that intrigued me and part of it was the gaming aspect of this novel. But as I delved deeper into Tess’s and Cade’s story I felt so much pain and heartache for them. There was so much I felt I had in common with Tess minus the Bipolar Disorder, but I do have a family member that’s diagnosed with it and it just brought everything I thought knew about it into a new light. And finding out the truth about Cade only had me hurt even worse and not even because I thought it was some sort of betrayal, but because I felt his pain in so many ways from past trauma. I’m just so in awe about how well this was written and how even in just a few pages, Kelly was able to express the truths about BPD & addiction. Honestly, this was probably one of the best ARC reads from an indie author I have ever read from this year! And to find out that just about everything poured into this book was based on real-life experience from the author herself?! I’m blown away! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS! 10/10 would recommend. 💕😭😭
There was just something about this book that intrigued me and part of it was the gaming aspect of this novel. But as I delved deeper into Tess’s and Cade’s story I felt so much pain and heartache for them. There was so much I felt I had in common with Tess minus the Bipolar Disorder, but I do have a family member that’s diagnosed with it and it just brought everything I thought knew about it into a new light. And finding out the truth about Cade only had me hurt even worse and not even because I thought it was some sort of betrayal, but because I felt his pain in so many ways from past trauma. I’m just so in awe about how well this was written and how even in just a few pages, Kelly was able to express the truths about BPD & addiction. Honestly, this was probably one of the best ARC reads from an indie author I have ever read from this year! And to find out that just about everything poured into this book was based on real-life experience from the author herself?! I’m blown away! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS! 10/10 would recommend. 💕😭😭
August 9, 2025
This book is SUCH an engaging depiction of a growing friendship in real life and in-game. I love the description style whenever Tess is in DuskCabins so much, feeling in the game is as real and it really draws you into understanding why it is such a big part of her life. Seeing DuskCabins through Tess’ eyes, you see her strategies and get a window into a whole new world.
I CANT recommend this book enough ! Pls read anyone even tangentially interested in gaming. It’s so rare that I love a book involving games, this one really hits the mark and reinvigorates that passion for gaming by seeing it through someone else’s eyes.
I CANT recommend this book enough ! Pls read anyone even tangentially interested in gaming. It’s so rare that I love a book involving games, this one really hits the mark and reinvigorates that passion for gaming by seeing it through someone else’s eyes.
August 13, 2025
This book was such a great read! It captured my attention from the very beginning and at times I felt like I was sitting next to Tess while she was playing. I appreciated the topic of Tess’s mental illness and while devastated by what she goes through, enjoyed understanding her diagnosis more!
July 8, 2025
Note: I received an advance copy of this book so this is my honest review. I will also being doing my best to avoid spoilers as I want folks to read this book.
As a gamer myself, I enjoyed this book immensely. The switch between IRL and the world of DuskCabin made it easy to follow, and enjoyable at the same time. For those reading it, and needing a comparison think of the South Park episode of "Make Love, not World of Warcraft". And the moments when Tess and Cade are planning strategies feels quite accurate to how it's done in battle royale type games like this.
While it does have some heavy subject matter like mental health experience, impacts of addiction, and depictions of hospitalization, therapy, and recovery it didn't cause me any concern. Mainly because the Trigger Warning was pretty solid. Also as someone who was diagnosed with Depression, S.I., and anxiety I felt some representation here that made me feel right at home as I read it.
Another thing I enjoyed is that while it felt like a modern drama, it had some simple troupes that could pull other readers into it like the slow burn, friends to lovers, grumpy woman/sunshine guy, and closed door romance.
I recommend it on the grounds that it's a solid story with some great characters, and it doesn't make the reader feel less than for not getting any of the gaming stuff or the mental health moments. Also, the author's attention to details shows she did her research.
If I had to rate it on a scale of Do Not Read to Own it, I would say Own It.
As a gamer myself, I enjoyed this book immensely. The switch between IRL and the world of DuskCabin made it easy to follow, and enjoyable at the same time. For those reading it, and needing a comparison think of the South Park episode of "Make Love, not World of Warcraft". And the moments when Tess and Cade are planning strategies feels quite accurate to how it's done in battle royale type games like this.
While it does have some heavy subject matter like mental health experience, impacts of addiction, and depictions of hospitalization, therapy, and recovery it didn't cause me any concern. Mainly because the Trigger Warning was pretty solid. Also as someone who was diagnosed with Depression, S.I., and anxiety I felt some representation here that made me feel right at home as I read it.
Another thing I enjoyed is that while it felt like a modern drama, it had some simple troupes that could pull other readers into it like the slow burn, friends to lovers, grumpy woman/sunshine guy, and closed door romance.
I recommend it on the grounds that it's a solid story with some great characters, and it doesn't make the reader feel less than for not getting any of the gaming stuff or the mental health moments. Also, the author's attention to details shows she did her research.
If I had to rate it on a scale of Do Not Read to Own it, I would say Own It.
June 23, 2025
An intriguing mix of mental health and gaming, this book was a page turner! I loved the budding relationship (and romance) between Tess and Cade. This book also tackles a realistic and relatable view into what it feels like to live life while occasionally struggling with your mental health. Never read anything like this before, very original plot and great storytelling!! Overall great read, would highly recommend!!
Received an advance copy for an honest review.
Received an advance copy for an honest review.
January 10, 2026
Excellent. No notes. Expect a nomination to Tink’s book club and likely even book of the year (maybe century).
July 26, 2025
Rating: 4 stars / Spice: 0.5/5 peppers —- I really enjoyed this deep dive into the mental health journey of a young woman with Bipolar Disorder. With a fresh diagnosis, Tess is just starting to figure things out when she meets Cade through online gaming and they click immediately as a gamer team. Their friendship grows and blossoms until they finally meet in person at a gaming championship. I would have loved to read more about their relationship and interactions, but this was really more a story of self-discovery and growth and less of a romance. I'm not really a gamer, so this felt a little heavy on the in-game descriptions for me, but I really loved getting to know Tess and follow her story! —- What to expect: -Mental Health Journey -Therapy/Medication Rep -Gamers -Online Friendship to More -Addiction Recovery Rep -No Spice
August 9, 2025
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC!
During her medical leave from college, Tess finds solace in the online world of DuskCabins. When she meets Cade and the two form a fierce competitive duo, the game begins to feel more real than she could have ever imagined.
Kelly Waters does such a wonderful job balancing romance and the gaming world. As someone who isn’t super familiar with gaming, I found the descriptions action-packed and accessible even to those without video game knowledge. I was truly on the edge of my seat during all of the gameplay!
In terms of the relationship in the story, it was real, raw, beautiful, and imperfect. I appreciated how natural their conversations felt and how their romance wasn’t the entire focus of the plot. Both Tess and Cade were going through so much their journey was a drop in the healing bucket. It was truly beautiful to read.
During her medical leave from college, Tess finds solace in the online world of DuskCabins. When she meets Cade and the two form a fierce competitive duo, the game begins to feel more real than she could have ever imagined.
Kelly Waters does such a wonderful job balancing romance and the gaming world. As someone who isn’t super familiar with gaming, I found the descriptions action-packed and accessible even to those without video game knowledge. I was truly on the edge of my seat during all of the gameplay!
In terms of the relationship in the story, it was real, raw, beautiful, and imperfect. I appreciated how natural their conversations felt and how their romance wasn’t the entire focus of the plot. Both Tess and Cade were going through so much their journey was a drop in the healing bucket. It was truly beautiful to read.
August 4, 2025
Brilliant book, very different to what I would normally read but I found it to be a refreshing change. Very heavy on the game play, so if you’re an avid gamer that loves to read this will be right up your street. I loved the elements of mental health and how it was portrayed, showing how important it is to get the right help for your mental health. The added bonus from the author at the end explaining why she wrote the book was a really nice touch and made the book even more real. The romance was a prefect amount of slow burn but also had a great twist I did not see coming. I got the pleasure of receiving an ARC of this book, thank you to the author Kelly waters for this privilege. Really enjoyed it, I ate it up in 3 days (some days I didn’t read as been poorly) and I’m a pretty slow reader but it was very bingeable. 4.5⭐️
July 30, 2025
Coming across this book on Tiktok, I new I had to read it when Kelly said it was for gamers. I never see video game based books and this exceeded my expectations. It's extremely relatable as someone who battles mental disorders myself and loves video games. Kelly brought the character to life, almost as if we were friends. It's a quick read, but there's so much jam packed, it never gets boring. I found myself always wanting to know what happens next and how Tessa is going to handle it. She is a great rep for those who battle with the same instances. I cannot wait to read more from this author, she has done a great job and I wish the best for her!
August 5, 2025
ARC Review
This book is a beautifully emotional, heart-tugging story. Like words CAN NOT describe what I just read, but imma try...
Tess, a Gamer-Gal * cough * like me * cough*, is trying to cope with her diagnosis while getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Cade, a Gamer, has an opportunity open and is dealing with his struggles.
Their relationship is so captivating, I LOVE the video game play-by-play. I knew what was happening and the tension of it all.
The support group, I LOVE how patient her friends were and understanding, and how they pushed Tess. Her parents' love is amazing.
This book isn't for everyone; however, everyone should pick it up.
To the Author, thank you for allowing us to see things through your eyes.
This book is a beautifully emotional, heart-tugging story. Like words CAN NOT describe what I just read, but imma try...
Tess, a Gamer-Gal * cough * like me * cough*, is trying to cope with her diagnosis while getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Cade, a Gamer, has an opportunity open and is dealing with his struggles.
Their relationship is so captivating, I LOVE the video game play-by-play. I knew what was happening and the tension of it all.
The support group, I LOVE how patient her friends were and understanding, and how they pushed Tess. Her parents' love is amazing.
This book isn't for everyone; however, everyone should pick it up.
To the Author, thank you for allowing us to see things through your eyes.
August 7, 2025
This book was a pleasant surprise.
I received a free ARC, and judging by the cover, I thought it was just a light read for summer evenings. But it turned out to be so much more!
Even though video games aren’t really my thing and I hadn’t read any books based on this theme before, honestly, I loved the in-game perspective!
But the real depth of the story comes from Tess's Bipolar Disorder, which is handled with great care and sensitivity.
The author's bonus touch of connecting the story to real life adds even more value to the book.
I received a free ARC, and judging by the cover, I thought it was just a light read for summer evenings. But it turned out to be so much more!
Even though video games aren’t really my thing and I hadn’t read any books based on this theme before, honestly, I loved the in-game perspective!
But the real depth of the story comes from Tess's Bipolar Disorder, which is handled with great care and sensitivity.
The author's bonus touch of connecting the story to real life adds even more value to the book.
July 6, 2025
Lithium & Let’s Plays is such a refreshing debut novel!
The main character Tess’s mental health experience is a unique perspective and feels authentic and relatable while shedding light on experiences that aren’t often discussed or depicted in literature.
I was really captivated by the immersive gameplay scenes. You can’t help but be pulled into the game world along with Tess as she rediscovers her passion and herself. The excitement and gaming culture were so well captured and left me wanting to find my own Cade to kick some ass with.
Challenging and heartwarming and with witty humor throughout, this was truly a joy to read.
Thank you for the opportunity to review an Advanced Reader Copy!
The main character Tess’s mental health experience is a unique perspective and feels authentic and relatable while shedding light on experiences that aren’t often discussed or depicted in literature.
I was really captivated by the immersive gameplay scenes. You can’t help but be pulled into the game world along with Tess as she rediscovers her passion and herself. The excitement and gaming culture were so well captured and left me wanting to find my own Cade to kick some ass with.
Challenging and heartwarming and with witty humor throughout, this was truly a joy to read.
Thank you for the opportunity to review an Advanced Reader Copy!
August 3, 2025
Absolutely adorable! I don't think I've ever read a romance book I fell in love with this much.
I loved that the romance did not overshadow the mental health aspect, both facets were vital to this story. Tess and Cade have such a tangible, relatable relationship, and watching them fall in love was honestly magical.
The gaming aspect of the story was a massive plus to me as a gamer, but I think the story is still perfect for non-gamers. Waters does a great job of explaining all the features of the game world and includes a map of it as well.
This is a romance for everyone that wants a fresh love story with characters that feel like real life people.
I loved that the romance did not overshadow the mental health aspect, both facets were vital to this story. Tess and Cade have such a tangible, relatable relationship, and watching them fall in love was honestly magical.
The gaming aspect of the story was a massive plus to me as a gamer, but I think the story is still perfect for non-gamers. Waters does a great job of explaining all the features of the game world and includes a map of it as well.
This is a romance for everyone that wants a fresh love story with characters that feel like real life people.
July 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and the focus on the FMC's BPD. It was enlightening to see how BPD is portrayed and how it can easily make its way back (even when subtle) in manic episodes. I loved watching her growth throughout the book as an individual.
I wish there was an additional focus on her relationships with others outside of the MMC. I would have adored watching her slowly rebuild her relationship with her family and friends, especially with her mom. Her relationship with her mom still felt unresolved after finishing the book.
I wish there was an additional focus on her relationships with others outside of the MMC. I would have adored watching her slowly rebuild her relationship with her family and friends, especially with her mom. Her relationship with her mom still felt unresolved after finishing the book.
July 17, 2025
Loved this book! There is something so refreshing about reading about characters who live their lives just as we do - with the same problems and same everyday interests.
Perfect to split in between other long TBR books for a fun break!
Perfect to split in between other long TBR books for a fun break!
August 4, 2025
I loved the relationship between Tess and Cade. It was a unique mix of mental health and gaming. As a bipolar and major depression diagnosis myself, I thought it accurately portrayed mental health. Would definitely recommend
September 1, 2025
I received an advanced copy!
As a gamer girlie and someone who works in psychology, I loved this book! I don't play for money or even join random duos/squads, but this book is a fun way to express how other people game and how it effects their "real" lives. I enjoyed how Tess and Cade interacted with each other and how you see their relationship grow through their shared gaming interests! Definitely a cute read, but with the growing awareness of mental health! Absolutely loved it!
As a gamer girlie and someone who works in psychology, I loved this book! I don't play for money or even join random duos/squads, but this book is a fun way to express how other people game and how it effects their "real" lives. I enjoyed how Tess and Cade interacted with each other and how you see their relationship grow through their shared gaming interests! Definitely a cute read, but with the growing awareness of mental health! Absolutely loved it!
August 19, 2025
I've read a fair number of romance novels that delve into mental health representations, but this one is easily the most accurate and realistic that I've encountered. Tess's day-to-day monotony of attending therapy, gaming, and sleeping is one I think a lot of people with mental health struggles can relate to. I recall a two-week period in university where I didn't leave the couch, too tired and unmotivated to move further than the bathroom.
The most devastatingly true moments occur much later, when she believes herself to be cured and when she uncovers her gaming partner's skeletons in the closet. The beautiful thing is that the two of them have empathy and compassion for each other, and are able to lean into mutual trust in order to heal.
The most devastatingly true moments occur much later, when she believes herself to be cured and when she uncovers her gaming partner's skeletons in the closet. The beautiful thing is that the two of them have empathy and compassion for each other, and are able to lean into mutual trust in order to heal.
August 22, 2025
I was very interested in this book, and even though I wanted to read this, I was afraid it wasn't going to be very good. It was better than expected! I really enjoyed reading this!
It's definitely a book I'm going to recommend.
It's definitely a book I'm going to recommend.
March 26, 2026
Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm Ltd. for my copy.
Tropes:
🎮Contemporary Romance
💊Mental Health Rep
🎮Friends To Lovers
💊Addiction
🎮Met Online
💊Professional Gamers
🎮Competition
Thoughts: This was such a well written book, I loved it so much. The characters had so much depth and were so relatable. As a gamer myself, I really enjoyed the professional gamer aspect too.
Tropes:
🎮Contemporary Romance
💊Mental Health Rep
🎮Friends To Lovers
💊Addiction
🎮Met Online
💊Professional Gamers
🎮Competition
Thoughts: This was such a well written book, I loved it so much. The characters had so much depth and were so relatable. As a gamer myself, I really enjoyed the professional gamer aspect too.
November 20, 2025
Great Story!!
I found you on TikTok and just loved the story. I thought it was honest, heartwarming and fun. I'm glad you picked it back up and published it!
I found you on TikTok and just loved the story. I thought it was honest, heartwarming and fun. I'm glad you picked it back up and published it!
July 30, 2025
Being an ARC reader for this book led to me discovering one of my favorite books in recent memory. I have a lot to say so buckle in.
First off, the premise of the book is great to begin with. We see Tess recovering from a manic episode and dealing with the trauma that comes with it. The writing was beautifully crafted in a way where we don't explicitly know what happened during the episode, but its lingering effects persist enough for us to understand that it was a massive event for Tess to experience. You feel the dread and the regret immediately and although we are experiencing her recovery period, her pain hits deeply. I LOVED Tess from the start, she plays off genuine and likeable while also relatable. Flashing from her gameplay to her therapy gives us a good basis on what she feels about her diagnosis. She is struggling to accept such a huge part of her mental health while also trying to keep her head intact and avoid future issues. As someone who has gone through the same events Tess has, the weird limbo period after recovery was captured so well. With Cade added into the mix, I had clear expectations and I was thrilled to see them exceeded yet completely wrong as well.
Without going into details to avoid spoilers, my jaw was on the floor during the New York part of the game. It took such a necessry turn and I was more shocked at the twist than I have been in a long time. And the devastating third act came with so many punches, especially when, as the reader, you realize where it is going. I could not put it down, even though it led to some of my own memories resurfacing.
The connections where authentic and beautiful, the story was face-paced and engaging, and overall this book will stick with me for a long time. Thank you for such a real and honest depiction of Bi-polar disorder and the trials + tribulations that come with a manic episode. I cannot wait to see this book release to the general public.
First off, the premise of the book is great to begin with. We see Tess recovering from a manic episode and dealing with the trauma that comes with it. The writing was beautifully crafted in a way where we don't explicitly know what happened during the episode, but its lingering effects persist enough for us to understand that it was a massive event for Tess to experience. You feel the dread and the regret immediately and although we are experiencing her recovery period, her pain hits deeply. I LOVED Tess from the start, she plays off genuine and likeable while also relatable. Flashing from her gameplay to her therapy gives us a good basis on what she feels about her diagnosis. She is struggling to accept such a huge part of her mental health while also trying to keep her head intact and avoid future issues. As someone who has gone through the same events Tess has, the weird limbo period after recovery was captured so well. With Cade added into the mix, I had clear expectations and I was thrilled to see them exceeded yet completely wrong as well.
Without going into details to avoid spoilers, my jaw was on the floor during the New York part of the game. It took such a necessry turn and I was more shocked at the twist than I have been in a long time. And the devastating third act came with so many punches, especially when, as the reader, you realize where it is going. I could not put it down, even though it led to some of my own memories resurfacing.
The connections where authentic and beautiful, the story was face-paced and engaging, and overall this book will stick with me for a long time. Thank you for such a real and honest depiction of Bi-polar disorder and the trials + tribulations that come with a manic episode. I cannot wait to see this book release to the general public.
July 21, 2025
I am not a gamer, and I loved this book! I loved the explanation of some of the gaming elements that allowed me to easily understand that world. And the gaming sequences added to the feeling of reading an action-packed story. I felt like I was right there rooting for Tess and Cade to win their tournaments.
The meat of the story, though, is the fact that Tess is recovering from a manic episode which led to her bipolar diagnosis and to her dropping out of college. She’s had a difficult time with therapy and opening up to family and friends, so it’s refreshing to befriend Cade online and connect with someone who doesn’t know any of what she’s gone through. As their friendship grows during their intense online gaming sessions, their banter leads you to suspect they might both want to be more than friends.
When the opportunity to win a boatload of money in a prestigious gaming tournament arises, Tess can’t pass it up. Not only can they win a ton of money as a duo, she also has the chance to meet Cade in person. Although they fall in sync when they finally meet, there is something mysterious about Cade that Tess can’t pinpoint. And when his secret comes out, will their gaming duo survive? Will their friendship survive? Will Tess be able to maintain her mental health?
The mental health rep was well written in this book. As I mother, I found myself understanding Tess’s parents’ concern and how difficult it is to support your adult child while also giving them the space to live their life. The author presented the struggles of someone dealing with bipolar disorder in a way that helped me to understand Tess and what she was going through.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to other works by Kelly Waters!
The meat of the story, though, is the fact that Tess is recovering from a manic episode which led to her bipolar diagnosis and to her dropping out of college. She’s had a difficult time with therapy and opening up to family and friends, so it’s refreshing to befriend Cade online and connect with someone who doesn’t know any of what she’s gone through. As their friendship grows during their intense online gaming sessions, their banter leads you to suspect they might both want to be more than friends.
When the opportunity to win a boatload of money in a prestigious gaming tournament arises, Tess can’t pass it up. Not only can they win a ton of money as a duo, she also has the chance to meet Cade in person. Although they fall in sync when they finally meet, there is something mysterious about Cade that Tess can’t pinpoint. And when his secret comes out, will their gaming duo survive? Will their friendship survive? Will Tess be able to maintain her mental health?
The mental health rep was well written in this book. As I mother, I found myself understanding Tess’s parents’ concern and how difficult it is to support your adult child while also giving them the space to live their life. The author presented the struggles of someone dealing with bipolar disorder in a way that helped me to understand Tess and what she was going through.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to other works by Kelly Waters!
August 14, 2025
Thank you to Hayling Bookstorm Ltd and the author Kelly Waters for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I wanted to read this for the title alone! Gamer girl? Mental Health? Romance? Yes please!
I've read many romance novels dealing with mental health, but I can't recall reading one that deals with what I like to call "the big ones." "The big ones" are the mental health conditions frequently talked about in pop culture or as part of a joke/snark, but sadly are the conditions no one really wants to understand or they consider the person with it as being a threat. I greatly appreciated Kelly Waters novel for this reason.
As someone recently diagnosed with BP2, it was really comforting to read a book that touches on experiences I've had. While Tess is BP1 and was diagnosed as often is for BP1 after a psychotic break, BP2 flies under the radar. Even with those differences, I related to the feeling of wondering if people would want to be my friend or stay with me if they knew. Waters helps Tess navigate this throughout the story.
I LOVED the part with her mother. Not because I loved her mom, but because I 100% relate to people treating you with kid gloves even when you are an adult. I have to remind those closest to me that they don't need to change their life for me or out of fear of "setting me off." The struggle is real.
I adored Cade's character arc. I don't want to spoil anything, but Cade and Tess are similar but different. The ending of the book was perfect and did justice to Cade's character. It also showed how love can exist even with "big" mental health challenges such as Tess.
I look forward to more from this author!
I wanted to read this for the title alone! Gamer girl? Mental Health? Romance? Yes please!
I've read many romance novels dealing with mental health, but I can't recall reading one that deals with what I like to call "the big ones." "The big ones" are the mental health conditions frequently talked about in pop culture or as part of a joke/snark, but sadly are the conditions no one really wants to understand or they consider the person with it as being a threat. I greatly appreciated Kelly Waters novel for this reason.
As someone recently diagnosed with BP2, it was really comforting to read a book that touches on experiences I've had. While Tess is BP1 and was diagnosed as often is for BP1 after a psychotic break, BP2 flies under the radar. Even with those differences, I related to the feeling of wondering if people would want to be my friend or stay with me if they knew. Waters helps Tess navigate this throughout the story.
I LOVED the part with her mother. Not because I loved her mom, but because I 100% relate to people treating you with kid gloves even when you are an adult. I have to remind those closest to me that they don't need to change their life for me or out of fear of "setting me off." The struggle is real.
I adored Cade's character arc. I don't want to spoil anything, but Cade and Tess are similar but different. The ending of the book was perfect and did justice to Cade's character. It also showed how love can exist even with "big" mental health challenges such as Tess.
I look forward to more from this author!
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