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Dating & Dragons #1
Dating & Dragons
Enjoy this steamy comedic series about tabletop gamers in love by gamemaster & geeky romance author Ivy Collins…
Save vs. attraction.
I’m a grown adult, and if I want to play Towers & Tyrants, no one is going to stop me. In fact, I’m going to TowerCon this year to find a game, and Finn O’Roarke has just offered to pop my cherry.
Er, my geeky cherry.
Wow, that doesn’t sound any better at all.
Thank god Finn is a professional. He’s been a celebrity gamemaster for the last few years now. I’m really lucky he offered me a spot at his table—people normally have to sign up months in advance to get a piece of that action.
His game, oh my god, not him.
Look, no one can blame me for getting ideas. The moment Finn shot me that deliciously irresistible smile and asked me out to lunch, I was doomed. I hope it’s not a crime to admire your gamemaster’s butt?
Someone hand me a d20 and shut me up already, please.
Dating & Dragons is the first novel in the Dating & Dragons romance series, though all of the novels can be read as standalones. This spicy contemporary romance is perfect for gamers who play Dungeons & Dragons, and it has a guaranteed happy ending. The story is novella-length, for a quick afternoon read.
Save vs. attraction.
I’m a grown adult, and if I want to play Towers & Tyrants, no one is going to stop me. In fact, I’m going to TowerCon this year to find a game, and Finn O’Roarke has just offered to pop my cherry.
Er, my geeky cherry.
Wow, that doesn’t sound any better at all.
Thank god Finn is a professional. He’s been a celebrity gamemaster for the last few years now. I’m really lucky he offered me a spot at his table—people normally have to sign up months in advance to get a piece of that action.
His game, oh my god, not him.
Look, no one can blame me for getting ideas. The moment Finn shot me that deliciously irresistible smile and asked me out to lunch, I was doomed. I hope it’s not a crime to admire your gamemaster’s butt?
Someone hand me a d20 and shut me up already, please.
Dating & Dragons is the first novel in the Dating & Dragons romance series, though all of the novels can be read as standalones. This spicy contemporary romance is perfect for gamers who play Dungeons & Dragons, and it has a guaranteed happy ending. The story is novella-length, for a quick afternoon read.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2020
29 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Collins
3 books6 followersIvy Collins writes short, geeky romances with a hint of spice. She lives in Montreal, Quebec with her fantastic, prose-inspiring husband and her two cats. When not writing romance, she can be found running D&D or Pathfinder for her local group. She is a veteran gamemaster with more than twenty years of experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 5, 2022
Short but sweet, I liked the tabletop rep!
May 21, 2020
I love some good quality nerd books!
This was a precious Gaming/Role-play themed book and I'm really happy I found it thanks to Kindle suggestions. As someone who goes to conventions and plays D&D, I really appreciated the 'realistic' nerd life this book showed. It made me so happy to just read nerds being nerds with a cute as hell romance. It was just the right amount of 'steamy' to keep it in that romance novel genre but wow, this was just such a good book.
I loved the conflict towards the end, I felt it in my BONES and loved how the book handled it. Thank you Ivy for writing such a precious book. Please keep writing, I love this so much and am thrilled you wrote a 2nd book in this world!
This was a precious Gaming/Role-play themed book and I'm really happy I found it thanks to Kindle suggestions. As someone who goes to conventions and plays D&D, I really appreciated the 'realistic' nerd life this book showed. It made me so happy to just read nerds being nerds with a cute as hell romance. It was just the right amount of 'steamy' to keep it in that romance novel genre but wow, this was just such a good book.
I loved the conflict towards the end, I felt it in my BONES and loved how the book handled it. Thank you Ivy for writing such a precious book. Please keep writing, I love this so much and am thrilled you wrote a 2nd book in this world!
February 26, 2020
Unabashedly, this book is a steamy love letter to RPG fans. As a lifelong geek myself, at first I wasn't sure I'd be able to identify with the heroine, who is just awkwardly navigating her first "Towers & Tyrants" (T&T) convention when she meets a kind, handsome, (if mysteriously single) GM who shows her the joys of Role Playing Games. And yes, there is a scene where she shows him the joys of role playing horizontally. (A scene I thoroughly enjoyed.) But the author does an excellent job of making Olivia relatable and likable while also using her lack of familiarity to introduce our hobby to readers who might be in the same boat.
That said, the target audience is clearly people who will appreciate the gaming-centered story line, and empathize with the awkward and sometimes upsetting moments most women have faced in what is still a male-dominated hobby. The side characters who pass through the pages are also charming, and certain to remind us of our own friends. With one very notable exception, every character in the book models what players and authority figures should do to make our community safer and more inclusive, but often do not in reality. If I have a substantial complaint about the book it is only this. (Also the reason I typically do not read romance novels in mundane contemporary settings.) The book had the genre's usual "uncanny valley" effect on me, where everything looks a little too much like my real life, and yet something is off. Unfortunately what is off in this case is that reality is not a romance novel, and overall Olivia still has a much gentler path to her happy ending with more support than I think most of us experience. But the required suspension of disbelief is certainly no greater than similar books in a modern setting. (And asks a great deal less than say- billionaires dating women who've never used email before.)
I'd recommend Dating & Dragons not just to romance fans who are existing fans of Role Playing, but also romance fans who have even a passing curiosity about our wonderful, quirky, emotion-filled hobby. The book's absolute strength is showing the best of what this community can be, and reminding me of the reasons I love telling stories with my fellow gamers.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for giving my honest review.
That said, the target audience is clearly people who will appreciate the gaming-centered story line, and empathize with the awkward and sometimes upsetting moments most women have faced in what is still a male-dominated hobby. The side characters who pass through the pages are also charming, and certain to remind us of our own friends. With one very notable exception, every character in the book models what players and authority figures should do to make our community safer and more inclusive, but often do not in reality. If I have a substantial complaint about the book it is only this. (Also the reason I typically do not read romance novels in mundane contemporary settings.) The book had the genre's usual "uncanny valley" effect on me, where everything looks a little too much like my real life, and yet something is off. Unfortunately what is off in this case is that reality is not a romance novel, and overall Olivia still has a much gentler path to her happy ending with more support than I think most of us experience. But the required suspension of disbelief is certainly no greater than similar books in a modern setting. (And asks a great deal less than say- billionaires dating women who've never used email before.)
I'd recommend Dating & Dragons not just to romance fans who are existing fans of Role Playing, but also romance fans who have even a passing curiosity about our wonderful, quirky, emotion-filled hobby. The book's absolute strength is showing the best of what this community can be, and reminding me of the reasons I love telling stories with my fellow gamers.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for giving my honest review.
December 7, 2025
This was a fun book, especially if you are a fan of fantasy RPGs. There’s one steamy scene so be aware but it fit into the part, was sex positive and consensual so thumbs up. I’m not usually into romance but I do love a happily ever after and I did get a small tear at the end. So in other words a great way to spend the afternoon.
November 13, 2024
Super cute, super fluffy! I liked the story and identified with the main character.
March 8, 2020
Honestly, this book surprised me.
It follows two players of a D&D-like game, one an experienced GM and creative mind behind the game, and the other is a...well...she’s a noob. I feel like the descriptions of what women gamers can face is accurate. I have my own “horror” stories, and I’m sure many other women do too.
The story balances the nerdy aspect with the spicier bits, so it doesn’t come off as smut; there’s an actual cute, fluffy story to be had. The spicy parts are still there, though, if you do enjoy that extra somethin-somethin in your reads ;)
Bring this one to the beach, or enjoy it as a quick read before a gaming session.
It follows two players of a D&D-like game, one an experienced GM and creative mind behind the game, and the other is a...well...she’s a noob. I feel like the descriptions of what women gamers can face is accurate. I have my own “horror” stories, and I’m sure many other women do too.
The story balances the nerdy aspect with the spicier bits, so it doesn’t come off as smut; there’s an actual cute, fluffy story to be had. The spicy parts are still there, though, if you do enjoy that extra somethin-somethin in your reads ;)
Bring this one to the beach, or enjoy it as a quick read before a gaming session.
February 26, 2020
This book was such a fun read. I loved how the in game story was woven with the overall story. Olivia and Finn had some amazing chemistry from the beginning and it was pretty hot when they got together. I do have to wonder how they lasted as long as they did without any relationship other than gaming, but since there was a bit of a time jump, I will have to keep wondering. The conclusion was sweet and satisfying. I'd definitely love to read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, but my opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, but my opinions are my own.
June 25, 2020
Love in the land of geek
I'm stuck in bed today due to illness, and I can't fall asleep. I needed a distraction from my upset stomach and all. I could not have asked for a better one.
Funny, sweet, with some nice intense moments. I appreciate how it was a slow burn for the characters. While it's enjoyable to read a fall in lofe at first sight, most of us don't, and this does justice to such romance.
I'm hoping for more from this author, and definitely joined her newsletter to make sure I get updated.
I'm stuck in bed today due to illness, and I can't fall asleep. I needed a distraction from my upset stomach and all. I could not have asked for a better one.
Funny, sweet, with some nice intense moments. I appreciate how it was a slow burn for the characters. While it's enjoyable to read a fall in lofe at first sight, most of us don't, and this does justice to such romance.
I'm hoping for more from this author, and definitely joined her newsletter to make sure I get updated.
February 28, 2020
A fun, geeky and quirky romance novella that woven the game between the plot. It was a nice change in the romance spectrum.
It's a quick read yet there's a bit of a slow-burn to it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's a quick read yet there's a bit of a slow-burn to it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2020
Once again this author brings us great characters that are engaging and well written. The storyline flowed smoothly from beginning to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2020
This is such a fun book! The characters are well written, and made me laugh! Ivy did a great job on this novella
March 20, 2020
Geek love.
The characters don't just feel like real people, they feel like real gamers. Thanks for adding romance to role playing rather than role playing to romance.
The characters don't just feel like real people, they feel like real gamers. Thanks for adding romance to role playing rather than role playing to romance.
June 23, 2024
this was a romance dnd book and that’s all i was looking for tbh
May 16, 2023
With nerd culture steadily going mainstream, it was only a matter of time before someone integrated tabletop roleplaying into a romance novel. So, score one for Ivy Collins for beating everyone else to the punch (that I know of, at least).
As someone who's been trying to get into D&D, this book made me want to hurry up and finish working on my mountain dwarf barbarian and find a party already. And as a Texan — from the Dallas-area, no less — it pleases me to no end that the story took place here in the Lone Star State. (I mean, I kinda feel like more of the setting could've been featured, but it's whatever.)
Finn and Olivia were so adorkable together, and I loved the cast of supporting characters, most of whom seemed to be well thought out, even if they didn't feature all that much in the story. I was pleasantly surprised that Olivia's roommate Emily turned out to be so cool and not at all the jealous bitch I had built up in my head at the first mention of her. With her cosplaying skills, we should all be so blessed to either be an Emily or know an Emily. But my favorite, though, was Luke, who preferred to play evil characters as an outlet for his "incoherent misanthropy" from working retail. As someone who has also worked retail previously, I felt that.
As for the romance, Finn and Olivia were sweet, but I was actually hoping for a bit more steam. Don't get me wrong, the one romantic scene was sweet and hot, but not exactly setting fire to any curtains (at least, not my curtains). Instead, the story focused more on the main couple's blossoming love, as well as Olivia's journey into the world of tabletop gaming. Which is totally fine. And then there was .
I will say, though, because Olivia and Finn and had gotten together less than 50% of the way through, the author honestly had me worried that there was going to be conflict due to some stupid rom-com misunderstanding. Thankfully, the story didn't go that route, and instead the author chose to show the darker side of tabletop gaming (i.e. players that ruin it for everyone else because they lack any sense of decency and consideration for others — the complete opposite of Finn, actually, who purposefully strives to make everyone comfortable so that they can all enjoy themselves).
Overall Verdict: 9 tabletop games out of 10
As someone who's been trying to get into D&D, this book made me want to hurry up and finish working on my mountain dwarf barbarian and find a party already. And as a Texan — from the Dallas-area, no less — it pleases me to no end that the story took place here in the Lone Star State. (I mean, I kinda feel like more of the setting could've been featured, but it's whatever.)
Finn and Olivia were so adorkable together, and I loved the cast of supporting characters, most of whom seemed to be well thought out, even if they didn't feature all that much in the story. I was pleasantly surprised that Olivia's roommate Emily turned out to be so cool and not at all the jealous bitch I had built up in my head at the first mention of her. With her cosplaying skills, we should all be so blessed to either be an Emily or know an Emily. But my favorite, though, was Luke, who preferred to play evil characters as an outlet for his "incoherent misanthropy" from working retail. As someone who has also worked retail previously, I felt that.
As for the romance, Finn and Olivia were sweet, but I was actually hoping for a bit more steam. Don't get me wrong, the one romantic scene was sweet and hot, but not exactly setting fire to any curtains (at least, not my curtains). Instead, the story focused more on the main couple's blossoming love, as well as Olivia's journey into the world of tabletop gaming. Which is totally fine. And then there was .
I will say, though, because Olivia and Finn and had gotten together less than 50% of the way through, the author honestly had me worried that there was going to be conflict due to some stupid rom-com misunderstanding. Thankfully, the story didn't go that route, and instead the author chose to show the darker side of tabletop gaming (i.e. players that ruin it for everyone else because they lack any sense of decency and consideration for others — the complete opposite of Finn, actually, who purposefully strives to make everyone comfortable so that they can all enjoy themselves).
Overall Verdict: 9 tabletop games out of 10
December 11, 2025
I am not a big D&D fan, but I love to read any books that embrace the nerd life. Add some spice to that? Perfect. This was a fun read the really shows appreciation to game cons and the things game masters go through for their tables while having a quirky, slightly spicy romance too. It was a light and quick read that was very well written. I definitely can't wait to read the next book to hear the other characters' stories. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm so glad I took a chance on this book because I'm now going to be watching what else this author comes up with.
October 9, 2021
Feel-good quick read
I legit wanted to join a role-playing game after this book - it makes it sound like the most fun ever. The romance is absolutely adorable and I'm fully in love with the MCs. Buying the next book immediately!
I legit wanted to join a role-playing game after this book - it makes it sound like the most fun ever. The romance is absolutely adorable and I'm fully in love with the MCs. Buying the next book immediately!
February 7, 2024
Perfect little read for anyone new or experienced to D&D! What a cute spicy read, the situations the FMC experiences really hit close to home for me. Will recommend, and I'll be reading the next one soon 😊
March 3, 2024
Super cute story! I just wish it was longer!!
April 23, 2024
Perfect amount of spicy and romance! Read it in less than a day!
May 17, 2024
Cute, short, spicy, nerdy romance! Tabletop, cosplay, Cons
July 27, 2024
koupila jsem to, protože to bylo na amazonu zadarmo, myslela jsem, že to bude děsná pitomost, ale vlastně se mi to fakt líbilo
August 3, 2024
3.5/5 Stars
February 28, 2025
What a great read! This was so fun and kept me hooked, I didn't want to put it down
April 27, 2025
It's a fluffy short but sweet read. I really liked the party dynamic and saw some pretty close parallels to my own D&D group.
April 18, 2025
3.5 stars
April 14, 2025
Part of my 2025 PopSugar Reading Challenge: Prompt: Two books with the same title (2)
July 23, 2022
This was a fun read. You got to watch someone come out of their shell, find a new hobby they love and someone they love.
January 31, 2023
A super fun read that almost makes me want to play RPG games. A little steamy in one scene but also tender and sweet and wonderfully progressive. Definitely recommended.
June 25, 2023
Super quick read, loved the characters and how nerdy it was! Wish it was longer!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews