Advantage

Roll for Love #2

by Maelana Nightingale

Rules were easy. Feelings are not.

Living together blurred the lines, but wanting each other erased them.

In Advantage, the carefully balanced dynamics of the house begin to strain as emotions refuse to stay polite and compartmentalized. What once felt playful now carries weight. What felt safe now demands honesty.

Jealousy surfaces. Power shifts. Desire asks harder questions than anyone expected.

As boundaries are tested and redefined, the house must confront what it truly means to choose each other—without leaving anyone behind.

This isn’t the start of the story. It’s the middle—where everything deepens, complicates, and refuses to stay easy.

614 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2026

About the author

Bestselling author Maelana Nightingale writes romance that bleeds, breathes, and burns—stories where love is messy, healing is hard, and desire is sacred.

Her novels span contemporary found-family romances, dark and taboo stories, and sweeping romantic fantasy, united by raw emotion and unflinching realism. Known for intimate, character-driven storytelling, her work explores connection, power, and trust in ways that feel lived-in rather than performative—and never shies away from the complicated edges of love.

A nurse by trade and storyteller by soul, she brings authenticity to every page—from medical precision to the psychology of trauma, trust, and connection. When she’s not writing, she’s usually wrangling one of her five children or navigating the controlled chaos of her corporate healthcare day job.

Reviews

[Hyciera · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review (spoiler-free)

Advantage picks up right where the Initative left off, and within the first few chapters it already felt like coming home. I hadn’t realized how much I had missed this chaotic, lovable group until I was back with them.
One of my favorite things about this series is the multiple POVs. Each perspective adds another layer of depth, letting you see how differently each character experiences love, connection, vulnerability, and desire. Just when I think I’ve found my favorite, the POV shifts and I fall for someone else all over again. Every single one of them feels essential to the balance of the polycule. 

This book also dives deeper into the emotional side of the story. We learn more about what shaped these characters and why they are the way they are, and some of those moments hit hard. There were chapters that genuinely made me emotional, while others had me smiling or laughing out loud.
The dynamic of the group continues to be one of the strongest aspects of the series. Their communication, the care they show each other, and the way they navigate complicated feelings together makes their relationships feel incredibly real. Watching those bonds grow stronger was just as compelling as the romantic tension.
And of course, the group scenes? Absolutely wow. 

Between the humor, the emotional depth, the chaos, and the tenderness, this book took me through a whole range of feelings. By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them. 

I loved every minute of this book and I’m already impatiently waiting for the next one.
Thank you so much for the ARC ❤️

[Jaeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAMIIIIIII

ugh im so glad to have started this series, like it keeps getting better and better. book 1 was a introduction into cami and the guys lives. We have a MOC to griff and cami slowly starting to realize that she wants the others as well. I’m so glad we finally got to see that and i feel like cami IS our main character ( esp in b 2 )

Some pts from book 1 that i was happy to see
* I was happy to see more of the why choose scenes instead of just scenes with Griff
* Griff was sooooo amazing to see this book (other than a moment when he went off) he constantly reminded everyone and communicated with everyone his boundaries and that he was honestly trying which I love.
* Micah surprised me greatly!!! He becomes the ultimate soon to Dex and Cami and I can’t wait to see more in b3!
* Dex is honestly my fav and I’m so sad for him this book. I loved his scenes with everyone and I loved how his band got to make it big time but I HATED how basically everyone treats him like a child when he’s an adult that has ADHD. Treat him like one. I feel like almost everyone, but maybe Micah, forgets he has feelings too. Especially Ronan.
* Ronan, dungeon daddy, kind of disappointed me a little until the end of the book. He is making it such a big deal on not starting stuff wrong with cami and wanting to do the big scene on his bday for that reason but I think he’s making such a big deal out of cami, that he’s not putting any thought into being with Micah or DEX.

Things I want to see in b3 (hopefully 🤞)
- DEX and Ronan scene
- Griff and DEX scene maybe (some bi awakening with griff ??)
- cami finally getting it big with her job ( which somewhat took the back burner in b2)
- everyone’s families being nice and supportive of our polycule (I think that’s how it’s spelled but idk)
- DEX blowing up on everyoneeeeee because he 100% needs to!

Overall:

Spice is a hit and it was a great book 2 that did not disappoint and leaves you wanting that book3!

[Danielle Nielson, Book Therapist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Book Therapist Reviews

First off... I love this group. I love the diversity of characters and struggles and love and discovery and communication. I love the chaos of Dex, the grounding of Micah, the guidance of Ronan, the protection of Griff, and the acceptance of Cami. I am pretty sure I highlighted whole chapters... and the speech Dex makes in the kitchen was so heartbreaking and raw and honest. As a therapist to see them be able to use D&D as a tool to not just bond but grow and understand and explore was so enjoyable because it feels real. As much as I love dark romance, I love how approachable this world feels... like you can have this world right alongside them... and oh what a spicy world of fun that would be.

[reads.and.ruin 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this was so good. We dive even deeper into the polycule and all the messy, complicated, chaotic dynamics that come with it—and I was absolutely here for it.

The basement scene? Yeah… that one lives rent-free in my head now, along with a line that I will never forget!

And the ending… once again with the cliffhanger. Rude. Completely rude.

This entire book had me on edge, and now I desperately need the third book because I have to know what happens next.

[Fallon Agenbroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader review-
I love the characters in this series so much! They are all widely diverse and have different ways of learning to love and communicate with one another. Which is so refreshing to read. As we dive deeper into the polycule relationships in this book, I am so happy to see some deeper development of them as people. I also love how well their DND campaign and thoughts are melded into the story. The spicy scenes are also just *chefskiss*! I cannot wait for the next book!

[Megan Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story just keeps getting better. The emotions are deeper, the stakes are higher, and our characters are figuring it all out. Each of them are working hard to find their footing in the world of their creation. I absolutely cannot wait for book 3!!

[Kendra Lovelady · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We have a house full of emotionally unstable bisexuals, a very sex-positive, amazing woman-and a Griffin. What could possibly go wrong?"

Received an ARC copy of this book, and I feel so lucky that I did! After Initiative (Roll for Love-Book 1), I was so in love with these characters and their chaotic but beautiful life. The "Polycule" RH book picks up where our resident Chaos Gremlin, Dungeon Daddy, Broody Sad Boy, Paladin Husband, and the glue that holds them all together, Cami, leave off in the cliffhanger in Initiative.

We see their relationships blossom so much more in this book and we get to observe every special, messy, and chaotic moment. You will laugh, cry, and maybe cuss a little.

I was worried in Initiative that being unfamiliar with Dungeons & Dragons would cause me to miss things, but Maelana does a great job in both books explaining the game and the scenes that are portrayed.

I definitely recommend this series if you love stories that contain real world problems, people that love who they love, hilarious banter in group chats, and a little tabletop gaming. You will fall in love with this little Polycule and their antics.

Please read the Trigger warnings due to some light dark elements.

[Maritza Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGF! (thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!) Advantage is the second book in a three book series so if you havent already read Initiative please do so.

Ok so Advantage definitely got more in depth with the concept of the Polycule....I love everyone's dynamics as individuals, pairs and over all a whole. The spice was very much there🥵🥵! The book is well written where its easy to read , the story just kept getting better but THE ENDING?! *almost threw my kindle* I need book three, to see how thing go/grow.

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

No surprise that this was a 5 star read. Maelana has a way of reaching into your soul and forcing you to love her characters. This one has so much spice, but some of it is unexpected and some of the hottest stuff I’ve ever read! Buckle up cause this is a ride you’re going to beg to go on more than once!

[Chris readsalot · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m about to be the biggest downer but I feel as though I have to be. I dnfed at 60%. I simply could not stand how disgusting this book made me feel. I’m autistic and an SA survivor and personally felt the representation of Ronan was horrible and felt only included as an excuse for drama. I had to step away from the book before writing this review so I can’t remember if Griffin implies or says out right that Roman’s autism makes him manipulative but that made me want to throw up. This feels like decades of understanding of the autistic community going backwards at high speeds. Speaking of backwards, Griffin acting like he had possession of Cami’s body was horrifying. She says yes to being spanked but he over rules her by demanding to be there for “safety”… I understand he has past trauma but that does not give him the right to over rule her consent with a stipulation; and that is what forced my dnf. Griffin in general felt badly written, all the spicy scenes with him had no intimacy while all the other characters did.

[Silverlining2k6 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had the same great banter as Initiative, the same fun characters and D&D shenanigans. But I didn't like it quite as much.

At first, I couldn't figure figure out why I kept putting this book down and starting new ones.In hindsight, think I was subconsciously leaning away from the prose. You know how Show-Not-Tell writing advice tells us to convey a character's intent with body language and leave it up to the reader to interpret what it means? I never quite understood why not. I understood the spirit behind that rule, but would it really hurt anything for the POV character to give their own intepretation of their scene partner's body language? I think I get it now. In small doses, this kind of telling doesn't really jump out at me. But there were no small doses here. It felt like every action, expression or gesture came with both an explanation of what it meant AND what it didn't mean.

There's this sentence pattern repeated over and over throughout the book. I do/say [XYZ]. Not because [anti-reason one], not because {anti-reason 2}, but because [actual reason].

Because next week I'm bringing someone home. Not a date. Not a casual plus-one. Not a vague friend. Not a person I keep at arm's length so no one can see how much they matter. Someone I chose. Two someones, technically.

Half a page later:

She looks… unreal.Not in a costume way. Not in a trying too hard way. In a way that makes my brain briefly misfire,

I never would've considered this bad writing in the past, but it pops up so much in these books that it started jumping out at me and breaking my immersion.

Additionally, I think the author was trying hard too hard to portray kink in a responsible manner, that several of the characters started coming across as stilted and unrealistic. Like sentient Sexual Psychology textbooks. Dex is the only character who continued to feel truly human in this second book.

Notice, despite my complaints about the writing, I still rated this four stars, because when the book is good, it's delightful.

[Deonna Balentyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude, this is an awesome continuation of this series. So many feelings are flowing in this book. The intention and attention to detail for every emotion of the characters, truly feel like it was me feeling these things. I love Cami, she is a BAB (bada$#babe). Strongest of them all. All of the guys are top notch in my book. But I gotta sling out extra love for Dex. He is so much more and just so full of life. This book involved the internal makings of the polycule and the importance of communication and consent. Structure between the entire group and how each relationship evolved and the personal growth that each member goes through. Pivotal changes and events happen. Maelana did great including the struggles that each member go through individually. Griffin learning to grow and trust the guys with Cami is big and then the relationship between Dex and Micah. Dex's fears of being looked over and forgotten in the light of Cami being center. I love that it is not just about Cami being the center and that he too deserves it just as much as she does. I cannot wait to see how this all balances out in the end.
I was shocked by how Advantage ended. Intense and I worry. I cannot wait for book three to come out. Poor Cami and then the guys, Ronan especially, have series things to tend to. Oh man, the basement is going to be insane and many peoples dream room I bet.
I have only played D&D a few times and it is totally fun. I am not an expert in it either. Thursday night rock in this book and I am there. The intensity of each stage of their campaign. The creativity that takes place is well done. If I hadn't already played before, bet your dice, I would start.

[Reece Dragonriver · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I did not sign the HOA papers for this poly cule-de-sac"

Thank you Maelana for letting me read this early! I'm happy to give this series another loving review!

Our quintuple polycule is back in the spotlight as they manage to learn about themselves, their feelings of the situation and each other, and learning how to live with someone whose medical needs have to supercede the other parts at play.

Having learned better about the whole D&D group, they manage to get their feelings more complicated, and they start to learn to resolve internalized anxiety and the feeling of being left behind, while addressing that polycules are not easily written on page where it all meshes together.

The game table content made sense for the slices we see, nothing feels too complicated for anyone unfamiliar to the table to understand. Everyone tries to be in character for the game nights, but it's human in a fun way.

The spice? It's spicy. Like, the polycule actually is poly kinda spicy.

This book may make you require someone that treats you well, because the amount of scenes within the book is going to leave you needing relief no plastic can fill.

[Wendy Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

That’s a wrap on Book 2, and I loved how it picked up right where Initiative left off. The tension doesn’t reset. It deepens. The polycule dynamic grows in ways that feel intentional and layered, and the relationships actually blossom instead of staying surface-level.

One thing I continue to appreciate is that consent isn’t just mentioned, it’s a whole vibe throughout the book. The emotional awareness and communication make the messy moments hit even harder.

And that line…
I did not sign the HOA paperwork for this poly cul-de-sac
Instant favorite. No notes.

Each of the four MMCs brings a completely different energy to the table, and somehow I’m drawn to all of them for different reasons. Distinct personalities. Distinct chemistry. No one fades into the background.

Cami is a lucky girl… and I am now personally on my knees after that cliffhanger, respectfully begging for Book 3.

[Stephanie Hennig · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to describe how powerful this book is. The emotions, the brutally honest conversations between the characters, and the hot as $@#% chemistry destroys me. The way the characters interact is so deep. It makes me wish that everyone in real life could be this thoughtful in their choices and the way they talk to each other. This second book in the Roll for love series does not disappoint in the least. There is so much care and concern that this author has put into these characters. You feel like you know them the more you read.
If this was an ongoing series( like 20 books or more), I would happily read forever. The chemistry between Micah and Dex is my favorite, ok… and Ronan and Cami too! I barely could bring myself to stop reading. I wish sleep was not a thing.
I await the next installment with baited breath. I love, love, love this series.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Maelana knocks it out of the park.

When we last left our favorite polycule things were just starting to heat up and rules were being laid down. In Advantage we get to see them come into their own in their dynamic. They are finding their balance in all the best ways.

On top of logistics, which are being worked out in the best and healthiest ways I have ever read (even if imperfect at times,) we got some of the hottest scenes I have ever read, some of the best snark and humor you could ask for, and growth in all five humans.

This book was fantastic and this series is becoming one of my favorites of all time.
I cannot wait for the next one.
I need more Dungeon Daddy. I need more Griffin. I need more brat and sad boy.
Neeeeeeeed.

Thank you to the author for blessing me with an ARC of Advantage.

[Fly By Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing and a great "middle" of this series.

The feelings are so real! The characters and their emotions are so authentic. These people feel like they could be my friends and co-workers. They're not perfect, in the best ways, and it makes them more lovable.

Sitting down to write a review, it's hard because like Cami says near the beginning of the book, it's not something you can really describe, you have to feel it.

It's like not a lot happens, but a ton happens. And the last spicy scene (which is a whole three chapters long 🔥) is so incredibly hot and yet not explicit.

Honestly, y'all you have to just read it - it's just so good.

[Diana Jasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5-star read—I wasn't disappointed! This story just keeps getting better; I love the emotional development each character undergoes. It makes you fall in love with every single one of them and understand a little better everything that goes into a relationship like this: communication, trust, respect, care, understanding, acceptance... It is an unconventional relationship that feels more real than many others. Not everything is perfect—there are doubts, fears, and differences—but they talk them through and resolve them like adults. I can't wait for the third book to see how Griffin and Ronan continue to evolve.

[Kyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, I love Cami, Dex, Micah and Ronan but Griffin is so annoying. And things got really repetitive, part of me wants to finish it and another parts wants to quite while I am ahead, they are long books, and slightly purple prose and the repetition make it feel longer. Ronan’s scene was also not really my thing and I don’t think it was written in an a way I enjoyed. It even with all that the little throuple is pretty cute and I do love the characters for the most part.

But again Griffin gtfo she is a grown adult woman who has had diabetes her whole life, and also she doesn’t need to decide what’s safe for her…

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

We pick up where book one ended with the polycule learning boundaries and how to move forward as a group. Griffin is having a hard time being the only heterosexual in the group, everyone acknowledges his concerns and does all they can to help ease this transition. That's what I love about this story, it shows real emotions in the navigation of this lifestyle. All the relationships grow at different rates but the communication is there. They all work to make everyone feel seen and safe. Ends on a cliffhanger where the polycule is questioned.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, we pick up where the first book leaves off. We are following Cami and her four men, each bringing something different to the table, from husband protectiveness, playfulness and strength to communicate how she feels. I loved seeing more of the dynamic between Micah, Dex and Cami. How they grow together and separately. I also really enjoyed the d&d campaign throughout the book, how it flowed through and how they each were with their characters. With how it ended I can’t wait to see what happens next, and how the trilogy concludes.

[Sara Speck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roll for Love

Wow. So much emotional growth. Very open and honest conversations. I loved this book. It's great! I love how Cami lights up the room she is in and how Dex can't help but word vomit when he gets excited and he needs to call everyone out! I love that Ronan and Micah both are very observant and very Dominant. Griff is Cami's pillar while Cami seems to be the collective glue. Many side quest and lots of spice!

I was not very happy with this ending but you'll just have to read it to see what I mean because anything more and I'm spoiling it for you.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this sequel. It felt more like a slice of life for this group in growing and learning how to be together, navigating this new dynamic. Very different than most Why Choose and Poly romances. If you have ever read a why choose book and question how they just automatically know how to navigate the dynamics, you should read this and see the opposite. It was a little repetitive at times, which slowed down the reading, but the consent in this book is top tier.

[Jules unmuted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boyfriends being boyfriends are wonderful but boyfriends and girlfriend being best friends is something else entirely.

I absolutely love the relationship growths between all of the. The way they communicate is fantastic and IF there is any miscommunication it’s handled quickly and with care.

It has both the drama, the feels, and the comedic timing you need in a why choose book.

Bring on book 3 please!!

[Debra dlbhrb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story continues from where the last one left off. We delve deeper into the polycule relationship, exploring its ups and downs. We get to know the characters even more intimately. There is spice but they are going slow pace and listening to each other concerns and needs. I found it intriguing how they used Thursday night D&D role-playing into their relationship. Now the wait for book 3.

[Gypsikrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Boy!

This was almost everything. The careful, thoughtful, meaningful exploration of relationships and sexuality and belonging evolving as detailed as I’ve ever seen in just two novels. I love the characters the author created. I simply cannot wait for the next book in the storyline!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply cannot stress how much I love this chaotic polycule!! The vibes were immaculate, the plot was thickening, and the cliffhanger left me with no choice but to read book three! Once again, Mae's writing was an absolute pleasure to read and I can't wait to see what she has in store for Cami, Griff, Micah, Dex, and Ronan in the next book!

[Crystel Pettit · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book in this series did not disappoint! Nightingale has done a beautiful job creating this polyamorous group and I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow together and more in love with each other. The D&D nights are amazing and I love how the house dynamics are always entwined into the event, even when it’s not intentional. MMC Dex is by far my favorite character! I love his personality, how vocal he is, and even his brattiness. Every scene involving Dex and Micah is SPICY and I kept wanting more. I highly recommend and I’m patiently (not really) waiting for the next book in the series.

[Harley · Rating 4 out of 5]

..

This was better than book 1 in my opinion and I’m glad I waited because it grabs you well it grabbed me at least. And the end. I feel like there is more to come and I actually wouldn’t mind

[Geralyn Bartel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the communication between everyone. It’s always needed. The family’s involved are solid for the most part. Except Ben. Fuck you ben. Left on a solid cliffhanger. Just gotta wait for book 3 now.