How You Lose the Game:

by Scarlett Archer

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 6, 2026

About the author

Scarlett Archer grew up with a love for storytelling and strong heroines. Scarlett writes stories with as much attitude as heart. She curates pop-fueled playlists for every book she writes. When she's not crafting banter, she's writing poems and songs--and sneaking at least one poem into every story, because rules are overrated.

Reviews

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

I was very excited for this book after finishing the first one. Thank you Scarlett for the advance copy and the opportunity to read this beautiful short story.

This book is a very short read, it's fun, sweet, romantic. I have to say I didn't see coming the little twist toward the end and felt like I was suddenly aboard an emotional rollercoaster without seeing I stepped on it in the first place. I really liked how the different situations were handled and it was hilarious to see both characters fighting to fluster and get ahead one another in this competition they had going.

All in all, this was a very cozy, cute Christmas themed read, I recommend if you want something sweet and short to read bundled in blankets.

[Spencer Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Lose the Game is hilarious and willfully stubbornly romantic.

Valerie and Racheal’s story continues after How You Get the Girl with the two of them playing a gam around Christmas time that involves in touching or you lose and even no texting. While in theory this seems like a fun and sexy scheme, it ends up being a story of missed opportunity, chaotic clumsy mishaps and off the chart chemistry that cause so much tension.

In the end, we get an all out war that culminates in Racheal realizing how much she needs Valerie and eventually as the title leads lose the game.

I loved it and the pacing of it. To be fair though, I need a Jace and Duncan story now because they were a huge highlight for me.

[Kirsten Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC READER REVIEW:


“Let her come in. Let her think she is the predator. Because by the time she think she’s winning, she’ll already be caught.”

Scarlett Archer has done it again with this beautiful sequel! There is just enough romance, tension and mystery to pull you away from reality and into the world of Rachel and Valerie. You’ll want to scream “seriously?” And “is she really gonna fall for that” and maybe even “ladies get your act together!” But Scarlett ties nice little unexpected bow on this holiday romcom.

If you are looking for the perfect holiday romance read, this is a great quick read!

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

"I want you to feel loved even if I'm forbidden to kiss you until Christmas"

I read this Christmas themed novella under an August heatwave and couldn't have love it more. I fell in love with Rachel and Valerie's world in How You Get The Girl, I gladly jumped into it again. Useless to say I ate it up and enjoyed every second of my reading, giggling and kicking my feet like a girl in a cartoon. Banter, twists and, I have to say it, amazing side characters, make it a perfect little read to enjoy with a hot chocolate, curled up under a blanket and listening to the perfect How You Lose The Game playlist.

This sequel was everything to me and I can't wait for what's next 🩵

[Mariam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it, and especially how it all came together in the end. It was a short smooth read, the story just flows super easily.

The chemistry between characters, the romance and especially the lessons are all so intertwined together.

Somewhere midway I was thinking this is bit over the top at this point, all this for ‘keeping things interesting’ doesn’t work and that’s not how it should be, until it all came together. My favourite bit was Valerie setting the boundary even when she loved with all of her heart - the boom captures it perfectly.

[KB Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cute and sassy Christmas novella follow-up to HYGTG! It was so fun getting to visit with these characters again and laugh along when their plans inevitably go awry. I loved the banter, the hijinks, and the heartfelt ending. I wish there had been a bit more build-up to certain scenes, as some plot points felt like they came out-of-left-field. Overall, a great book to read curled up with some hot cocoa this winter!

[Scarlett R.J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so incredibly greatful that i got the arc for this book! Thank you Scarlett for the arc!
This put me through a hell of alot of emotions i had read the first book in may and ive been waiting for this and it felt like i never left from the first book, i truley adore these characters but now i need a book on jace and Duncan please and thank you.

I do not want to leave this world ever

[Arham Awan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and engaging addition to the series. The chemistry between the characters was enjoyable, and the story balanced romance and emotional moments well. It was a quick read with good pacing, though I wish a few scenes had been explored a bit more. Overall, a satisfying read that made me excited for what's next.

[Sarah Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

****REVIEW OF ADVANCED READER COPY FROM THE AUTHOR ****

WOW this book was so good I read it in one sitting. There is so much chemistry between the main FMC’s and it makes it so enjoyable to read. The way this book is written is pure perfection and now is an auto buy author for me.

Thank you so much for choosing me for the ARC!!

10/10 recommend

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Scarlett for this ARC 🥰 Such an amazing and easy read!! I'm looking forward to Jace and Duncan's story as they're my favorite side characters. Loved seeing the character development of both the main characters.

Would definitely recommend everyone to read this one 😉

[Bee 📚🐝 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel was beautiful and everything we needed wrapped in one. I felt every emotion possible. The tension, the joy, the pain. I laughed, I cried, then would laugh again.

Thank you for the opportunity to read an Arc copy

[Emma :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god! I don’t want to give too much away but I was freaking obsessed with this book! I loved the characters, the dialogue and just was hooked on every page!

I received an ARC of this book and all thoughts are my own 🫶

[Samantha Jo Anderton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice continuation of How You Get The Girl. An interesting game that they play and the emotions that accompany it kept me engaged with this short story. I loved getting to revisit not just Racheal and Valerie, but the rest of the gang as well.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

i could definitely see this becoming a christmas romcom movie! so fun

[Crystal Harbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick read with the characters we already absolutely love! I can't wait to read the next one! Hopefully, it's Jace's love story! #ARC

[Aleena Irshad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love everything about this book ♥️

[hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC read


After I enjoyed reading the first book, I also loved this book as well. I enjoyed every single bit of it. Couldn’t put it down. No notes. Chefs kiss. ❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

[Isabelle Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this Christmas romance with friends Christmas vibes humor and romance along with yearning this was a fantastic book

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the first book, I absolutely love this one! The romance, the plot, the characters, absolutely amazing! This is a very sweet, adorable, Christmasy romcom. I love how it brought back all of the beloved side characters and they were just as amazing as before. I honestly would have read this as a full book. I was so excited when this book was announced, and it definitely did not disappoint!

I was disappointed in Rachael when I realized that the disappearing thing was just part of the game, but I think it was handled very well, and I loved the grand gesture with the radio at the end. I loved the epilogue and the hint at a sequel about Jace and Duncan that I have been waiting for! (I literally said in my review of the first book that I wanted one of them, so I am VERY excited for it.) I loved this book and this author, and I can't wait for the next one! Thank you so much to Scarlett Archer for an ARC of this book!