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Life is Not a Game: The Fan-Favorite Galatea Coming-of-Age Sensation
Charlotte has been hiding in plain sight for seven years.
Online, she's Mars—a master gaming strategist ranked fifth in the country, respected by her all-male team and inseparable from her best friend, Jupiter. In real life, she's a socially anxious teenager who eats lunch alone and can barely speak to strangers. Her teammates have no idea she's a girl. Especially not Jupiter, the boy she definitely doesn't have feelings for.
When her family moves cross-country, Charlotte gets the chance to reinvent herself at a new school—until a collision with a charming football player turns her world upside down. Suddenly she's caught between two the online best friend who knows her soul but not her secret, and the real-life jock who sees the girl she's been too afraid to be.
With a major gaming tournament approaching and her double life unraveling, Charlotte must decide who she really is—the confident strategist behind the screen or the shy girl standing in front of it.
Some secrets can't stay hidden forever. Some hearts refuse to pick just one.
Online, she's Mars—a master gaming strategist ranked fifth in the country, respected by her all-male team and inseparable from her best friend, Jupiter. In real life, she's a socially anxious teenager who eats lunch alone and can barely speak to strangers. Her teammates have no idea she's a girl. Especially not Jupiter, the boy she definitely doesn't have feelings for.
When her family moves cross-country, Charlotte gets the chance to reinvent herself at a new school—until a collision with a charming football player turns her world upside down. Suddenly she's caught between two the online best friend who knows her soul but not her secret, and the real-life jock who sees the girl she's been too afraid to be.
With a major gaming tournament approaching and her double life unraveling, Charlotte must decide who she really is—the confident strategist behind the screen or the shy girl standing in front of it.
Some secrets can't stay hidden forever. Some hearts refuse to pick just one.
- GenresFriends To Lovers
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 5, 2026
mixed feelings
I have mixed feelings about this story. The idea is great and the writing is simple but easy to follow and good enough to keep you invested, however it seems a bit unrealistic the anxiety thing. For someone with social anxiety, Charlotte’s behaviour does seem a bit too forced. I think this story could be much better with a good editor. Nevertheless it was entertaining and fun
I have mixed feelings about this story. The idea is great and the writing is simple but easy to follow and good enough to keep you invested, however it seems a bit unrealistic the anxiety thing. For someone with social anxiety, Charlotte’s behaviour does seem a bit too forced. I think this story could be much better with a good editor. Nevertheless it was entertaining and fun
September 26, 2026
Perfect little palate cleanser read between your serious books/series. Quirky and funny, had me almost speed reading and giggling.
Had a ..HARD.. time putting it down and finished it in a day!
Had a ..HARD.. time putting it down and finished it in a day!
May 17, 2026
The basic plot has so much promise
The basic plot has so much promise but almost everything else was disappointing. The characters were flat, the conversations read like they’d been written by someone who had never experienced a conversation in real life, and the descriptions of Charlotte’s day felt like they could’ve been copied directly from notes I wrote to friends during class in middle school. I felt compelled to finish it because I’d paid for it and wanted to get my money’s worth, but that just meant I wasted my time, as well as my money. At least it’s a short book.
The basic plot has so much promise but almost everything else was disappointing. The characters were flat, the conversations read like they’d been written by someone who had never experienced a conversation in real life, and the descriptions of Charlotte’s day felt like they could’ve been copied directly from notes I wrote to friends during class in middle school. I felt compelled to finish it because I’d paid for it and wanted to get my money’s worth, but that just meant I wasted my time, as well as my money. At least it’s a short book.
April 15, 2026
Do yourself a favor and skip this one. Nothing used to advertise it is in the book, and I'm pretty sure it's either written by AI or a person who seriously needed someone to proofread it for them and actually add substance to the story itself. The FMC is either dumb or just plain naïve; she games all the time with these guys but doesn’t understand what they mean when they say it gets “hard” when they like someone. Girl, you're 17, you should know what that means. These characters describe the same events to each other but don’t understand they're talking about each other... nothing made sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2026
A very enjoyable easy read palette cleanser
I picked up Life Is Not a Game by Kara Verbeek thinking, “Cute, a little palate cleanser between books. Nice and sensible.”
It’s short enough to devour in a day, easy to sink into, and somehow still had me fully invested in the characters like I’d been personally assigned responsibility for their happiness. I was rooting for them HARD.
The best way I can describe it is like putting on your favourite comfort show. You know that feeling when your brain is approximately 97% done with life, you want something cosy and enjoyable, but you still want enough story to keep you interested? That.
It’s warm, engaging, easy to read and perfect for teens, young adults and adults. Basically the literary equivalent of getting comfy under a blanket and deciding the outside world can wait.
A genuinely lovely little read and exactly the kind of palate cleanser I’ll happily keep reaching for between my usual emotionally devastating book choices.
I picked up Life Is Not a Game by Kara Verbeek thinking, “Cute, a little palate cleanser between books. Nice and sensible.”
It’s short enough to devour in a day, easy to sink into, and somehow still had me fully invested in the characters like I’d been personally assigned responsibility for their happiness. I was rooting for them HARD.
The best way I can describe it is like putting on your favourite comfort show. You know that feeling when your brain is approximately 97% done with life, you want something cosy and enjoyable, but you still want enough story to keep you interested? That.
It’s warm, engaging, easy to read and perfect for teens, young adults and adults. Basically the literary equivalent of getting comfy under a blanket and deciding the outside world can wait.
A genuinely lovely little read and exactly the kind of palate cleanser I’ll happily keep reaching for between my usual emotionally devastating book choices.
June 1, 2026
I give this book 3 starts because I don’t like to rate books super low. But this book lacked so much. The storyline had a lot of potential but everything in it lacked depth. The characters were flat and wasn’t much development there. It was a fast read, but in all, not as good as I had hoped. The FMC was either super dumb or naïve. It just lacked a whole lot and was left disappointed. But if you want a fast, easy, super simple, and fairly clean (not really any spice🌶️) read that lacks depth and complexity, then this book is for you.
This book had a lot of potential and if rewritten, could be a lot better.
This book had a lot of potential and if rewritten, could be a lot better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2026
I truly enjoyed reading this story. While I have watched part of the vertical drama adaptation based on this work, the book was a significantly more enjoyable experience. The narrative depth and character development in written form far surpassed what was captured on screen.
Charlotte, TJ, and the rest of the cast felt incredibly well-fleshed out; they were truly the heart of the story and played a vital role in bringing this world to life. It was a pleasure to spend time with them, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a compelling, character-driven coming-of-age narrative.
Charlotte, TJ, and the rest of the cast felt incredibly well-fleshed out; they were truly the heart of the story and played a vital role in bringing this world to life. It was a pleasure to spend time with them, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a compelling, character-driven coming-of-age narrative.
August 4, 2026
Great Read!
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down! The build up to the big secret, the meeting between all the characters, their development and the ending make it such a good read! For a girl not really into gaming it was easy enough to follow too and not too heavy on just the game side. A great read for anyone who loves a good romance and I completely connected with the MFC as I also struggle with social anxiety and felt her panic and understood her over thinking the small things!
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down! The build up to the big secret, the meeting between all the characters, their development and the ending make it such a good read! For a girl not really into gaming it was easy enough to follow too and not too heavy on just the game side. A great read for anyone who loves a good romance and I completely connected with the MFC as I also struggle with social anxiety and felt her panic and understood her over thinking the small things!
September 19, 2026
A little annoyed that I paid for this lol The ad that suckered me wasn’t even in the book???
The main character is 17 but apparently the most sheltered idiot in the world and her boyfriend basically infantilizes her at the end. Also if I was “best friends” with someone for SEVEN YEARS and then found out they’d lied to me about who they were, I don’t think I’d just immediately be like “ok cool, let’s make out!”
There is potential in the general storyline but this story as a whole is a bit of a flop, sorry!
The main character is 17 but apparently the most sheltered idiot in the world and her boyfriend basically infantilizes her at the end. Also if I was “best friends” with someone for SEVEN YEARS and then found out they’d lied to me about who they were, I don’t think I’d just immediately be like “ok cool, let’s make out!”
There is potential in the general storyline but this story as a whole is a bit of a flop, sorry!
April 24, 2026
Cute book for a young adult audience. I enjoyed the storyline and the writing was easy to follow. I think once the gamers met in person and won the tournament, that would have been an appropriate ending, after it just kind of drug on with no real purpose. I also felt like the level of naivety for Charolette was unrealistic…there’s just no way, but playing devils advocate I do believe in most of the parts that made me laugh was due to how unrealistically naive she was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2026
Very sweet story
I occasionally need a break from my normal fantasy and dark romance when I get in a book slump. I’ll randomly choose a book from a category I don’t typically read to get me reading again. I don’t normally read a lot of cutesy/sweet romance or more realistic types but It was very sweet story with amazing characters and hilarious moments that kept me entertained and engaged the whole time. Definitely a heart warming story.
I occasionally need a break from my normal fantasy and dark romance when I get in a book slump. I’ll randomly choose a book from a category I don’t typically read to get me reading again. I don’t normally read a lot of cutesy/sweet romance or more realistic types but It was very sweet story with amazing characters and hilarious moments that kept me entertained and engaged the whole time. Definitely a heart warming story.
April 9, 2026
Loved!
I wished this book didn’t end and would’ve loved to have a sequel! I’ve always enjoyed books that have multiple prospects, so this book was immediately an attention grabber.
Only thing I wished to see what more details. Some things felt rushed and time jumped a little quickly. The book could’ve definitely been longer and I would’ve been happy.
I wished this book didn’t end and would’ve loved to have a sequel! I’ve always enjoyed books that have multiple prospects, so this book was immediately an attention grabber.
Only thing I wished to see what more details. Some things felt rushed and time jumped a little quickly. The book could’ve definitely been longer and I would’ve been happy.
June 3, 2026
Fun, genuine, comical with a bit of romance
I love how all the characters go from strangers to friends to family. I appreciate the humor and laughs as well a little bit of romance. It's not a spicy book but one can imagine what transpires. I love how Charlotte maintained her innocence throughout and was not pressured by anyone
I love how all the characters go from strangers to friends to family. I appreciate the humor and laughs as well a little bit of romance. It's not a spicy book but one can imagine what transpires. I love how Charlotte maintained her innocence throughout and was not pressured by anyone
July 3, 2026
not great, not bad, not convinced this isn’t ai
It’s entertaining, very, very YA even though the characters talk about hooking up and getting drunk all the time
The majority of the book the two main don’t realize what’s happening and after they do realize it’s really weird. It just didn’t gel.
And some of the exact same phrases are used repeatedly, which makes me think AI
It’s entertaining, very, very YA even though the characters talk about hooking up and getting drunk all the time
The majority of the book the two main don’t realize what’s happening and after they do realize it’s really weird. It just didn’t gel.
And some of the exact same phrases are used repeatedly, which makes me think AI
July 19, 2026
Inconsistencies in writing. Lots of random pages of how "do you like this so far, continue here?" In the middle of a complete book... I just found that unprofessional in editing. Some random parts of italic font like no one actually reread the script. The maturity of the characters are not there. Too much tell and not enough show. Feel childish.
August 29, 2026
not worth my money
Cliches, repeated phrasing, re explaining the same concepts multiple times, shallow depth of character. If author is young then they did well but could definitely grow. Parts seem like they were written by AI honestly.
I’ve read better (but shorter) on free writing websites.
Cliches, repeated phrasing, re explaining the same concepts multiple times, shallow depth of character. If author is young then they did well but could definitely grow. Parts seem like they were written by AI honestly.
I’ve read better (but shorter) on free writing websites.
September 27, 2026
Loved his story line, Absolutely Hooked
Im a Female gamer myself this book hit the spot!
I was able to emerse myself into the book as Mars absolutely incredible, I love that it was focused around gaming with love and intimacy coming after that the perfect love story, Cant wait to read more, hopefully theres more!
Im a Female gamer myself this book hit the spot!
I was able to emerse myself into the book as Mars absolutely incredible, I love that it was focused around gaming with love and intimacy coming after that the perfect love story, Cant wait to read more, hopefully theres more!
May 16, 2026
Nerdy Sweetness
This story was sweet, funny, and definitely touched my nerdy side and love for games. I was so happy to have it as a kindle book because I didn’t get to finish it on the app! So glad to read it I had to take a break on the other book I was trying to finish!
This story was sweet, funny, and definitely touched my nerdy side and love for games. I was so happy to have it as a kindle book because I didn’t get to finish it on the app! So glad to read it I had to take a break on the other book I was trying to finish!
June 8, 2026
Romantic and hilarious
I love a fanfic turned novel, and this is no exception. It is well written, and genuinely made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions. Just has touching, sweet moments too. I would definitely recommend!
I love a fanfic turned novel, and this is no exception. It is well written, and genuinely made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions. Just has touching, sweet moments too. I would definitely recommend!
July 14, 2026
Trope is fire, execution is fine
I have an unbearable weakness for falling for the same person twice. Absolutely delivers on that front. The prose is … grammatically correct? Which is something. Very linear plot, which is fine, but not super engaging.
I have an unbearable weakness for falling for the same person twice. Absolutely delivers on that front. The prose is … grammatically correct? Which is something. Very linear plot, which is fine, but not super engaging.
September 7, 2026
Cute and simple -a light, fluffy read
A cute, clean story, with predictable twists and plot line. If you want a light, sweet with no thinking, this is it.
The characters are simple, with one main personality trait, and the story skims along to an inevitable clean HEA.
A cute, clean story, with predictable twists and plot line. If you want a light, sweet with no thinking, this is it.
The characters are simple, with one main personality trait, and the story skims along to an inevitable clean HEA.
September 12, 2026
Sweet H.S. book
At first I thought this story was going to be like A.H. Hadley's "Gamer girls" or "Flawed" series, but it has its own unique charm and universe. Would recommend it for anyone that likes sweet with real life issues in your MC's. Good story!
At first I thought this story was going to be like A.H. Hadley's "Gamer girls" or "Flawed" series, but it has its own unique charm and universe. Would recommend it for anyone that likes sweet with real life issues in your MC's. Good story!
September 26, 2026
Not like the ads i saw, but not bad
The ads i saw for the book shows scenes that never happened, even though it was the same plot. Not a bad story, but it does feel rushed, especially at the end.
The ads i saw for the book shows scenes that never happened, even though it was the same plot. Not a bad story, but it does feel rushed, especially at the end.
September 27, 2026
Not disappointed at all
This was a spur of the moment purchase. I read a clip of it on Facebook, and from the moment I started, I was hooked. It's a very beautiful telling, of best friends and everything it could be
This was a spur of the moment purchase. I read a clip of it on Facebook, and from the moment I started, I was hooked. It's a very beautiful telling, of best friends and everything it could be
April 1, 2026
funny story for an evening (literally read in one evening)😅
April 6, 2026
2.5
saw this on an ig ad and wanted a quick silly read. It was not good at all and would not recommend. But it was what i wanted, so cant complain
saw this on an ig ad and wanted a quick silly read. It was not good at all and would not recommend. But it was what i wanted, so cant complain
April 6, 2026
mediocre
April 8, 2026
such a great story
I loved this story. It was so much fun to read. Please write more like this. It was a great, easy read.
I loved this story. It was so much fun to read. Please write more like this. It was a great, easy read.
April 17, 2026
It was a cute story and easy read.
April 24, 2026
The premise of this book is a great idea however the way it is written is awful. There are so many plot flaws in it, such a shame.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews