“Relatable, funny, and charming.” —Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of Frostblood
In life, as in gaming, there’s a way around every obstacle . . .
To pitch her new role-playing game at a European conference, developer Sierra Reid needs to overcome her terror of public speaking. What better practice than competing in a local bar’s diary slam, regaling an audience with old journal entries about her completely humiliating college crush on gorgeous Tristan Spencer?
Until the moderator says, “Next up, Tristan Spencer . . .”
Sierra is mortified, but Tristan is flattered. Caught up in memories of her decade-old obsession as they reconnect, Sierra tries to dismiss her growing qualms about him. But it’s not so easy to ignore her deepening friendship with Alfie, the cute, supportive bar owner. She and Alfie were college classmates too, and little by little, Sierra is starting to wonder if she’s been focusing her moves on the wrong target all along, misreading every player’s motivations.
Maybe the only winning strategy is to start playing by her heart . . .
“Relatable, funny, and charming, this gamingesque book delivers laughs and romance in a warm, satisfying bundle.”
—Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of Frostblood “Sexy and delicious.”
—Kristin Wright, author of Lying Beneath the Oaks
Sierra wanted to be the one presenting her newest game at a European conference. Unfortunately, she suffered from anxiety, when it came to public speaking, and well, you can guess how well her demo presentation went. But, she was willing to try anything to overcome her fear, and at the suggestion of her best friend, she entered a competition at a local bar, where people shared their most cringeworthy moments. This reunited her with two of her former college classmates, one being her crush, who seemed interested in getting to know Sierra better. As she worked through her performance anxiety, she also had to sort out her feelings for both Tristan and Alfie.
This book had a rather interesting premise. A competition, to see who suffered the most humiliating moments. Combine that with two blasts from Sierra's past, and I got one rather funny story.
Things I really enjoyed
• I don't know where she got all her inspiration, but Parker came up with some great material for the competition. The readings made me both cringe and laugh, and I enjoyed going back to bar each week to hear what the participants had to share.
• Alfie was so wonderful! He had so many fantastic qualities, and it was hard for me not to root for him.
• This book was fun and witty, and I just had a great time reading it. I sat back, smiled, and laughed as I cheered for my certain someone, while waiting for Sierra to come to her senses.
• The characters in this book were quirky, and I enjoyed getting to know them all (except Tristan). Their love of gaming was unrivaled, and it was fun being taken in by this nerdy and passionate bunch.
• Girl gamers and female developers need to be featured more, so I welcome Sierra with open arms. She might not have been the best public speaker, and I may have questioned her taste in men, but she was a savvy and skilled programmer, who had an unbridled devotion to video games.
• The gaming references were sprinkled throughout in just the right quantity. Parker featured great games and fandoms, and there were some references that definitely put a smile on my face.
Overall: A fun rom-com with a touch of drama, which had me provided me with much amusement.
