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From Booklist

February 1, 2024
Grades 9-12 Riley's parents divorced five years ago when her dad opened up a gaming store and it became more important to him than anything else. Riley, who still holds a grudge, has never set foot in his store--until now, after she and her best friend "borrowed" her mom's car. Her punishment? Eight weeks at her dad's store after school, and nothing else. When the school cancels the spring musical that she was hoping to direct, she scrambles to figure out how to get them to reverse the decision. While she plots a big presentation, she also joins up with one of the Dungeons & Dragons groups at her dad's store, mostly just to make her ex jealous. She talks Nathan, one of the gamers, into yet another plot to make his crush notice him, but as they play together, is she starting to fall for him? Boyce, best known for Hot British Boyfriend (2021), does rom-coms well. Fake dating is everywhere in YA, but this nerdy take is lots of fun--and even a little magical.

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From School Library Journal

January 1, 2024

Gr 8 Up-"Borrowing" her mom's vehicle to see the touring production of Waitress leaves Riley with only one regret; an eight-week punishment of working at her dad's gaming store. Not only does she know nothing about gaming, but a disastrous meet-cute with her coworker Nathan has Riley completely dreading working at the store. Everything changes when a slip of the tongue leaves the two of them faking a relationship in order to help out their love lives. But what's a girl to do when sparks are flying and your fake relationship starts to feel a little too real? Boyce delivers a light rom-com that offers delight all the way through. From musical scheming to Dungeons & Dragons adventures, the story's high jinks involve a lovable cast of characters that are relatable and intriguing. Filled with classic romance tropes, Riley and Nathan's evolving relationship, from enemies to friends to more, creates a warm story where the stakes are present but never too high. Additionally, Riley's blossoming dynamic with her divorced parents is nicely, if minutely, explored as she spends more time at her father's store. Riley and Nathan are both white. Secondary characters have minimal diversity. VERDICT A must-read cozy romance for board gamers and thespians alike.-Emily Walker

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Publisher's Weekly

October 16, 2023
After an unauthorized joyride with her mother's car lands high school junior and musical theater aficionado Riley in eight weeks of familial probation working at her estranged father's gaming store, Riley figures she's in for a dreadful time. Worse, her school has canceled the spring musical, an event she looks forward to every year. Determined to save the production (and save face when her arrogant ex shows up at the store), she strikes a deal with coworker and classmate Nathan Wheeler: Riley and Nathan will pretend to date, during which time Riley will help Nathan land his crush, and she'll get the musical back on track. To make their ruse seem more official, Riley joins Nathan's D&D campaign (playing a bard, naturally), and soon realizes that the storeâ€"and Nathanâ€"aren't as uncool as she originally thought. But when it comes time to choose between her old passions and her new ones, it may be curtains for her not-so-fake relationship. In this boisterously geeky romantic comedy, Boyce (Hot Dutch Daydream) delivers a feel-good tale of love and laughter, set against standard teen trials and tribulations and driven by the leads' sweet dynamic. Protagonists read as white. Ages 12—up. Agent: Tara Gonzalez, Erin Murphy Literary.

From Kirkus

October 15, 2023
Two small-town Ohio teens fake a romance to make others jealous. Riley starts her junior year sentenced to work at her father's game store as punishment following a serious infraction involving her mother's car. When her ex drops in, Riley impulsively pretends that co-worker and classmate Nathan is her boyfriend. Nathan is not amused, but she convinces him that the ruse will also help him win the heart of his crush, fellow D&D player Sophia. Nongamer Riley strengthens the pretense by joining his D&D campaign, and she discovers that her musical theater background lends itself well to role-playing games. Over time, it becomes harder for Riley and Nathan to discern whether each other's romantic gestures are an act or based on something real. Riley slowly gains more appreciation for her father than spending alternate weekends at his apartment during the five years since the divorce has allowed for. Meanwhile, the school principal cancels the spring musical for budget reasons, and Riley is working on a proposal to change his mind. When a crisis strikes, Riley's friends step up to advocate for the importance of the arts. The book's strengths lie in its characterization: Authentic portrayals of friendships and family relationships make the story shine, and the store's sense of community adds depth and is part of Riley's changing perception of her father. Most main characters are white; Riley's best friend is Japanese American. Gamers and nongamers alike will find much to enjoy in this sweet romance. (Romance. 12-18)

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