Title: Two Can Play
Author: Ali Hazelwood, narrated by Kelsey Navarro Foster
Length: 4 hours 24 mins
Genre: Novella, Contemporary Romance (sub-genre: misunderstanding trope, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, gaming)
Is this part of a series? No, at first I thought it might be placed in the Stemimist series with the other (even shorter) novellas, but this was written a year after Loathe to Love You.
I discovered this book: after listening to three of Hazelwood’s books back to back and searching for more (let’s continue the binge!).
Published: October 1st, 2024
Summary (courtesy of Goodreads)
Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime: to design a video game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem? Her co-lead is Jesse F-ing Andrews, a.k.a. her arch-nemesis. Jesse has made it abundantly clear over the years that he wants nothing to do with her–and Viola has no idea why.
When their bosses insist a wintery retreat is the perfect team-building exercise, Viola can’t think of anything worse. Being freezing cold in a remote mountain lodge knowing Jesse is right next door? No, thank you.
But as the snow piles on, Viola discovers there’s more to Jesse than she knew, and heat builds in more ways than one.
My Thoughts:
Spoilers ahead!
I have a love hate relationship with this one. It’s got a great plot (though I feel like it could have been fleshed out more- I get it, we wanted this one short…. I still feel like these characters were robbed). The characters themselves were interesting- I loved Viola, and once I understood Jesse better I loved him too. I would have adored a dual narrative here- memories or even scenes through Jesse’s eyes. Honestly, I think I would have just loved a full length book for these two. It felt rushed, probably because it would have to be. Am I being spoiled? Probably…. but we could have done so much!
For the length, there was an inordinate amount of misunderstandings. Seriously, we may have abused this trope and it hurt my soul a little bit. Bear in mind, this was my second read through so I knew there was something between them, but even I was like “what is wrong with this guy?” After all that was cleared up, it was adorable… but we had maybe an hour left. They were able to get a good amount of spice in that amount of time, though.
Final thoughts? #justiceforjesse lol. For real, though, we could have given the reader just a little glimpse into his head. Maybe this one will get a bonus chapter like The Love Hypothesis. Still, it was a fairly fast paced, funny book with a character development and a coherent, if sparing, plot. Most importantly, it was just fun for me. I am going to give it a four star review.
As far as adult content goes, there is language, some sabotauge/ low level bullying, drinking and sexual content. Spice level three.
Have you read the book? What were your thoughts?
Happy reading! See you next time!
Gwen
