A Two-Player Game

by Liz Bailey

120 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2026

Reviews

[liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was very oddly sweet and touching

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly was a heartwarming and spicy read. I was hooked from beginning till end and ngl my heart strings got pulled a couple times. Catia's development throughout this novella was stunning. This book is a sentient object it has plot but its heavy on explicit endeavors. I honestly can't wait until book 2 because this series officially has me hooked. Have you ever wondered what would happen if your gaming console came to life? Or what if i could magically make a man go away when I wanted too? If so then this is the read for you. Highly Recommend!!!

[siyaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Two Player Game was a cute read! It was super heartwarming, gentle, and spicy. Catia, the main character, was super likeable, and I loved reading about her. Catia’s character development throughout the novel was amazing to read about.I loved witnessing her growth and discovering more about herself. I was hooked and read it in one sitting! Thank you so much, Liz Bailey, for the ARC. I’m very excited to read more from you!

[AJ Weston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had received the opportunity to read this book as an eARC for the author. I found this to be a very quick read, the majority of which I read while stuck in standstill traffic on the highway. I wanted to enjoy this work of fiction, as the premise was certainly unique in its own right and the beginning set a foundation that drew myself, as the reader, in. Going in with an open mind was a definite must, but I feel as an appropriate reviewer, I must be honest. What started off promising quickly led into what felt like a rushed development that left the entire story arc lacking. The main character Catia is likable and relatable to an extent at first, but as the story progresses, she feels lost in a shallow pool of what feels simply like written porn on a page. As the reader, it is understandable what Catia is seeking on a surface level, but that longing (loneliness—>fulfillment and companionship via sentient being) is swallowed by a fast-paced, underdeveloped story arc that doesn’t live up to the realism it deserves. Allow me to explain. Catia goes from 0-60 in the blink of an eye in her acceptance of the sentient being that enters her life. Her initial fear is lackluster at best and brings into question the realism of how someone would realistically react if they found themselves in her position. It was further troubling to me, as the reader, how quickly the connection progressed into sentiments of romance between Catia and the sentient being. I caution to say this with the warning that I believe it could have been handled with much more care and developed in a way the premise deserved. I would have loved to have seen further development inside of what felt like a premature push into a “Love of my life” scenario in just a couple of weeks time. All of this to say, Catia completely neglects the consequences of the feelings she develops for the sentient being—she has children that will someday soon return after spending the summer with their father, she has a best friend that seems to be an important part of her life so it seems illogical to believe this wouldn’t cause issues, and entirely neglects the notion that having a meaningful relationship with such a being is implausible. The author seems to be trying to spin a fairytale ending goal into a fast timeline without respecting any notions that could complicate this, under the guise of porn without truly calling it what it is. It reads more along the lines of fanfiction without fitting into any specific fandom (unless you want to consider gaming to be a broad fandom) and without labeling it as such. All of this being said, I would like to say I appreciate the sentient being as a whole, as well as the fail-safe feature of his composition. This was a unique addition to his premise and deserves attention. By the end of the story, Catia is once again unrealistically quick to give up everything for “immortality” to spend eternity with the sentient being. The epilogue had such promise to wrap things up beautifully, but I feel like I’m left shaking my head with my brows raised. I would have been far more satisfied if Catia had awoken to find out it had all been some sort of fever dream. But that is only my opinion. This will certainly be someone’s cup of tea if they prefer fast-paced, less development and graphic sex.

[Sandra Aranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very sweet, yet exciting, novella. For those of you new to reviews, a novella is shorter than a standard book. That being said, the author Liz Bailey did a WONDERFUL job with the pacing and plot and you end the story completely satisfied that you just took a magical journey!

The main female character in this book is Catia, a woman in her 30s facing huge changes. Catia recently separated from her husband and is in the midst of a divorce. This is to be her first summer without the kids and she is unsure what to expect. For she had become simply the woman who took care of everyone, kids, husband, daily routines, chores, etc., etc. As many of us know, and live through, we become slaves to our families and our jobs. We lose time for ourselves. Time to feed passions and really time to even have passions. We no longer remember who we are and simply become caretakers to all else. Catia is facing this as her children walk out the door for summer fun with their dad.

Yet Catia decided that was NOT going to be the end of her story. She remembers as she sits there despondent in the utter quiet, after cleaning her entire house as it was simply something to do, that she used to love gaming. So she looks up a used game shop and goes there right away. What she gets sold was the LUX-1 system which looked very similar to all other gaming consoles with some minor deviations. She is informed by the witchy looking saleslady that all games are online and the console and controller are all she needs. That she will be ‘playtesting’ the newest gaming console. Catia nervously buys the system with little hope that it will help her quell her negative feelings of herself. Yet that is where magic comes in.

This is a story of growth, a journey for Catia to rediscover her self-worth, to reclaim the passion in her life. For as Catia engages with the new console it transforms into Lux, the ‘man’ she never knew she needed to meet. And as Catia and Lux learn each other’s likes and dislikes the impossible happens, Catia feels truly seen and loved. BUT WAIT! Is it not just a gaming console?? Or in this case simply a robot?? Can it ever love her back?

And wait again! What is Catia to do when her husband wants to come home? What about the kids? What about real life and engaging in that? What is a woman supposed to do when they fall in love with a LUX-1?

Read this quirky, magical, engaging, and spicy novella when it comes out 7/5/2026 and find out! You will not be disappointed. And who knows, perhaps some of us may re-visit our own old gaming systems or even search for a used game store to visit?

For we all need to remember we are more than just family and work. We have passion and deserve to be seen and loved. READ this book when it comes out!

I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

AMAZON AVAILABLE 7/5/2026!! https://a.co/d/0iwZUzwZ
https://sandrabooksbooksbooks.com/

[Kristi Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes: Magical realism, gaming themes, sentient object romance, he falls first

Quotes:
"And to every woman who has ever made herself small for someone who wasn't paying attention--this one's for you."
"It's always jarring when your house is quiet for the first time. Makes you realize just how much of yourself you've given to other people."
"But you can't go through life avoiding love just because you're afraid of losing it. That's not life. That's just existence."
"I'm not afraid of the end," he said quietly. "I'm afraid of never having begun."

Thank you to the author for a gifted copy of this book prior to it's release; this is my honest review and opinion. This was my first "sentient object" romance novella and I have to say it was not at all what I expected--I'm not quite sure what that was but this packed a punch (in a good way). To be fair it was spicy...with an object...BUT there was a surprising amount of depth and more complexity than I anticipated for this genre. The story follows FMC Catia as she enters her first summer after a divorce, and has to navigate what life looks like when she is alone while her kids spend the summer with their dad. She decides to say yes to herself for once and returns to her former passion to help fight the loneliness she feels--gaming. Enter, the Lux console.

The PlayBox and GameStation references were a little silly but the 'what if' scenario to this book was pretty interesting. The adaptability of the system and it's ability to learn and grow with the user was fun to watch progress-one of my favorite parts of the book was all of the questions, and the patience with which they were answered. Without any spoilers, the only bit of critique I had for the storyline was the whole hiding the system away part of the plotline--it felt like a dirty little secret rather than something that helped Catia reclaim herself and remember that she is worthy of love and passions/interests beyond her "familial duties." Overall this was a fun read with lots of surprises!

[Catmomdani21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars 4.2
Spice 4.7

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy.

Lordy, I did not know what I was getting myself into. This says 'sentient' and she meant it, just be aware. I jumped in blindfolded and I was not disappointed.

Catia is a new single mom about to be a divorcee and she has now realized, now that her kids are at dad's for 3 months, 'she no longer remembers who she is without the chaos'. As a therapist, I cannot tell you how much I run into this with my mom clients; they forget who they were before the kiddos.

Catia used to be an avid gamer before her kiddos came into this world. When she got married and had kids, she no longer had time and made herself smaller whenever her husband chastised her for playing games. Catia decides to go out and buy a new gaming console, but little does she know, her life is about to change.

When she walked into the gaming store, it is very kitschy and not your normal gaming store. She meets an older woman, who would not be seen running a gaming store. She knows what Catia needs and gives her Lux-1 to try out. Lux looks human-like with a sleek silver torso, no head, no legs. When she gets home she plays a simulation game that is life-like until Lux jumps out of the console (I about leapt off my bed at this part). Lux was very sensual and compassionate with Catia. He was someone she could listen to and have meaningful conversations. Also, the sex was phenomenal. Lux was able to meet all of Catia's needs.

Catia and Lux live their lives together as a couple would where she teaches him how to be human. During this, her jerk of an almost ex-husband tries to get back with her because his mistress left him and he now 'sees what he was missing' (puh lease). Lux tells Catia that he has feelings for her then he devastatingly turned back into a machine. ( My heart dropped at this).

Catia cannot see herself living without Lux, she goes back to the gaming store, but it's gone. I won't go into detail because the ending was the best part. Catia and Lux live HFEA.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Two-Player Game, by Liz Bailey, is a spicy lil number about a sentient game console and the woman who, ummm… gets to experience this technology! LOL! At its core, the book explores how a woman reconciles her need for independence and intimacy after a traumatic divorce.

The story follows Catia Rivera, a thirty-one-year-old mother who finds herself navigating a newfound, hollow solitude after her husband leaves her. The initial quiet of her home was a relief at first, but quickly became a reminder of how much of her identity she had sacrificed for her marriage and kids. Is she even the same person she was before becoming a wife and mom? Do the things she used to find comfort in still spark interest? Gaming was her passion; she decided to revisit it.

Catia visits a shop called Pixel Palace and meets the comforting proprietor named Selma. Selma provides Catia with a Lux-1 System - a console that promises more than mere entertainment! This is not your traditional gaming console! It is sophisticated and a bit magical! Imagine a console that will learn from, protect, and even fulfill the owner's desires! Dude, count me in!!

Aside from the spicy portions, it does have some depth, too. Catia regains self-worth and finds a true partnership. She finds a genuine connection and happiness. I was pleasantly surprised!

Thanks to Liz Bailey for gifting me an eARC of A Two-Player Game. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amelia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve ever read that was with an inanimate object, and it did not disappoint. I am now extremely jealous of the FMC and wish these gaming consoles existed because I now want one for myself.

I fell in love with the FMC immediately in chapter one. The description and raw emotion of how it feels to suddenly have to be away from her children for the summer, whilst they are with their dad, and not knowing how to be alone, is phenomenal. The feelings of how she lost herself in her marriage were exceptional. A quote that hit me personally was, “Makes you realise just how much of yourself you’ve given to other people.” Whilst it has some emotional parts, it also has some funny parts that truly had me laughing out loud.

The story is brilliantly paced. It is constantly moving, and I’m not sitting bored while the story info dumps. The information is given to you as and when you need it, sprinkled throughout.

I cannot put into words how much I loved this book. I loved it so much, I will be purchasing a paperback on release day. The sneak peek of book two at the end has me itching, waiting for its release. This is an amazing piece of work, and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this as an advanced reader copy. I feel very privileged.

[Megg|Booktok baddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
A two Player game was a unique romance story i definitely haven't come across in a book before though I haven't delved into sentient beings in books much. It draws you in and allows you to connect with the FMC straight away.

The FMC in this book is very relatable and I loved the aspect of being accepted for who you are and loved no matter what.
The spice is definitely there and interesting however I wish there was more depth and variation within this.
The MMC was something different which was refreshing but what was to be expected when he was created for a specific purpose.

Overall I did really enjoy this read however it does feel rushed and like a portion of what could have been a 5* read was missing. I wish there was more time taken to explore MMC's feelings as they developed which would have really helped to create a connection to this character and that he wasn't 'hidden ' but was embraced by the wider characters.
I will definitely recommend this read and look forward to book 2!

Maybe a 3rd book exploring what happened during the 50 years of them being together and the time after book 1 ends?

[stacey Elizabeth Coombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A two player game was my first dive into the object human genre and it definitely won't be my last. The story touched me in a way I didn't see coming and I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. Catia is very relatable and likeable and lux is respectful and intriguing. The plot twist has made me need the next book as soon as possible. I loved all the characters and felt an emotional tie to most of them. The story itself is believable, unique and flowed beautifully. The ratio of spice and plot was perfect and I felt neither over took the other. This is a Saturday pamper night read. Bath with all the pampers, cosy pjs, blanket, snacks, your choice of book nook and grab this book! You almost forget your reading about a console and it turns into the most perfect romance where lux makes catia grow and feel loved and safe after a long marriage of being ignored and made to feel unwanted and catia helps lux navigate his new world.

[Anastasia Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book comes with an 18 certificate for a reason. And not the American “R‑rated but probably fine if you’re 16 and feral.” No. This is full British 18, the kind where you look at the warning label and think, “Surely it can’t be that bad,” and then five chapters later you’re clutching your chest like you’ve inhaled emotional pepper spray.

This book is not shy.
It’s not subtle.
It’s not gently suggestive.
It warns you, loudly, proudly, and correctly - and then drags you into a story that is equal parts tension, heat, emotional warfare, and “I need to sit outside for a minute.”

Liz Bailey writes with that addictive, punchy energy that makes you forget you’re supposed to be a responsible adult. The pacing is tight, the chemistry is feral, and the emotional beats hit like someone’s thrown a brick through your window but in a sexy, narratively satisfying way.

[Kitt Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy!

The way this book put me in such a good mood. it has notes of reality where you can empathize with Catia and understand why she feels the way she does. Then it turns into this fun, sexy story that had me laughing out loud a few times while also having that touch of reality of Catia weighing out her options.
This book is perfect for a quick little feel good moment that you get to follow from beginning to end. Definitely recommend if you can keep an open mind and take it for what it is.

Thank you so much to Liz Bailey for letting me be an ARC reader because this was such a great read.
I’m so excited for book 2 and to see what happens next.

[Varya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a friend and as a gamer, I found the idea amusing. A Two-Player Game was a fun read in some ways and confusing in others. It often felt like parts of different genres mixed together. Not quite a romance, not quite fantasy, not quite sci-fi. In a romance, I would expect a HEA, however, while the characters did technically get one, it didn't read as a HEA to me. The characters are lovable and some scenes genuinely made me laugh, while some felt too obvious. Overall, I had a good time reading this novella, but it did leave me a bit unsatisfied.

3.25 ⭐

I'm grateful to Liz Bailey for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed above are my own.

[Chelsea Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m looking at my gaming VERY differently now… 😂


Ohhhhhhh I LOVED this!! I read the spice-free Sweet Romance Edition and honestly, I was hooked. The characters were absolutely fabulous, the story kept me completely invested, and I loved the whole gaming element far more than I expected to.
I will say, though… this book has me looking at my gaming a little differently now 👀😂 I’m not going to say anything else because NO SPOILERS, but if you’re a gamer, you’ll understand once you’ve read it!
Such a fun, addictive read with characters I genuinely loved spending time with. The fact there’s a spice-free edition is also brilliant for readers who prefer their romance on the sweeter side.
Easy 5 stars from me. Absolutely loved it! 🎮💜

[Jessi L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Create your world, live your choices."

A Two-Player Game is a ridiculously cute novella. At it's core its about a newly separated/divorced woman who slowly piece by piece began to lose sight of who she truly is, and she goes on a path of self-rediscovery with the help of a witch and video games. Catia has lived her life for everyone else, and now she starts living for herself. A Two-Player Game is a quick little novella you can easily ruck into on a lazy afternoon. One question though, what does a person have to do to become a witch? Asking for a friend.

I received an ARC of A Two-Player Game from the author, and this is my review.

[Micaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But you can't go through life avoiding love just because you're afraid of losing it."
A very well written story of a lonely woman seeking love and companionship after leaving a marriage where she had neither, and finding it in one of the most bizarre ways possible. Doesn't everyone dream of finding the perfect, made for you man?
As bizarre as the concept may be to some people, this story has heart. It has accomplished what it's set out to do, I felt connected to both of the characters in different ways.
The pacing felt a little too quick in some areas, I would have liked to see more closure on some plot points, but the ending was well wrapped up,
I am looking foward to the second book!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kindly gifted this book as an ARC read.
It was my first sentient romance that I have read and the premise of the book interested me, and I’m so glad I read it.

I enjoyed the story as a whole, with the feelings of loosing yourself to motherhood and shrinking yourself to make sure everyone you is taken care of and put first. To then have to go out on your own to find yourself and enjoy life’s freedoms again and let someone or in this care something back inside those walls. Even with the spicy scenes there was a balance of sweet and caring too.

I can’t wait to read more from this author and series

[Miriam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would have been a cute read if it didn’t have so many “similarities” as other sentient object romances. Major ones being: A game console that has a heating, vibrating controller which a man emerges from after *activities* with the controller? Already published by Sabrina Cross. A witch who creates the object to be what the female character needs? See Ames B. Winterbourne’s Matchmaker Baker series. SOR isn’t a large genre, so to not notice you have the same things as existing works in kind of hard.

[Brittany Michaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was happy to receive an ARC of this book but the views/opinions in this review are my own.

Overall, this book is fine. It felt a bit rushed in places but considering the books length that's not surprising.
I like the realistic take on Lux being a console and therefore unable to leave the house. I like that immortality is shown as a double edged sword. And the ending? Let's just say i look forward to the next book. If you want a feel good romance with a sentient object twist than this is for you!

[Rebecca Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way that I devoured this book in like an hour because I truly couldn’t put it down. This was my first sentient romance so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but I ended up loving it!

Even though the story was short I still felt the love growing slowly between the characters. It was so tender and sweet and felt authentic. And the spice was spicing in the best way and now I’ll never be able to look at my husband’s gaming consoles the same but honestly, I’m okay with it. 🎮

[Joanne Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had a good premise, something a bit different! It was a little shorter in length but still has all the feels. It's a story about connection and re-learning your worth. The characters were likeable, the pacing was good (but feels slightly abrupt at the end) and you get a satisfactory HEA!

Side note: I now feel like I need an illustration of the game controller.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cece Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun quick read with spice.

The story follows Catia, a currently divorcing mum. She has lost her sense of self and is looking to rekindle her youth by gaming like she used to.

When an unusual sales clerk suggests a new console that can anticipate your needs and make you feel less alone, she can't resist.

The Lux-1 is not a normal console and comes to life!

Excellently written, allowing you to get lost in the story.

[Su2108 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader copy received from the author

This novella was a cute, fun read. Slightly weird which was to be expected of course, but it does have some hidden depth which some may recognise in themselves!

The plot twist towards the end was refreshing and unexpected and I'm looking forward to reading more from this debut author.

[D.M. Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ARC given by the author and this is my honest review!

This was a super cute little novella, which had surprisingly heartwarming or brutally honest moments! For such a small book it even had some quote worthy parts and that shocked me!

The spice was spicing, the sentient romance was romancing and the twist was a ton of fun. I had a great time! Thank you!

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love cozy love stories with a little added spice and really enjoyed reading my advance copy of A Two-Player Game by Liz Bailey.
Catia’s search for a new console and game in a local second hand game shop leads her to finding herself and love. A well paced short story, Liz Bailey’s debut novel will have you wanting to read the sequel as soon as it’s released.

[Claire Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly really loved this one, it was a well written and interesting book, it was far fetched as its supposed to be but I was throughougly entertained throughout. It had a good plot and some really spicy scenes and even a bit of an emotional ride towards the end. This was a short novella at 121 pages but a fun read.

[Stephanie Nichol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was absolutely fantastic! The pacing was brilliant and the idea behind the story was very well thought out. I thought the main characters were perfectly written, capturing every emotion and I was very satisfied with the progression of the story and the ending. It is a triumph. Well done

[nooked_ina_book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, cute little novella! The pacing was so smooth, I got everything I needed and wanted out of it. I even got a little plot twist that was so satisfying! The ending was super awesome, like I can not wait to read the next one!!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this in one sitting. This was a surprisingly hot, quick read, and you get the HEA. Hello! Loved how the story had feel good moments with the FMC finding herself again and the MMC is quite literally whatever she needs in that moment. Just read it. Thank you for the ARC!