I love Ruby Lang’s voice: fresh, original, droll, sophisticated. “Playing House” is first in a series set amidst NYC-based real-estate-involved characters, whether urban planners, brokers, etc. In “Playing House,” unemployed, gig-economy-victim, urban-planner Oliver Huang is touring houses in Harlem when he meet-cute runs into recently-divorced, college-mate Fay Liu. He helps her avoid “Clompy Brent”, a dude coming on to her who can’t hear, or understand the word “no”. It’s obvious from the get-go that Oliver has harbored an attraction for Fay and Fay reciprocates. They fall into a pattern of pretending to be newly-weds, Olly and Darling, for the chance to urban-plan geek out on beautiful NYC properties. They enjoy their pretend dates and become lovers. In the meanwhile, a potential conflict rears its mild head because Oliver has applied for a job at the urban-planning firm, Milieu, where Fay is partner. Neither Oliver, nor Fay take their affair too seriously and they have a lot of stuff to figure out, given they’re both in transitional life-spaces. But it is serious because feelings are involved, the acquaintance too short-lived to result in anything but misunderstanding, doubts, and hurt feelings.

“Playing House” was too slight for me to say I loved it, but I can easily say I liked it. It had a few bugaboos. Oliver and Fay go from meet-cute bumping-into-each-other to this elaborate pretending to be newly-weds. This happened out of the blue and I honestly thought I must have blanked out an entire chapter while this was arranged. But nope … I kindle-back-tracked and the disjointedness wasn’t “it’s not you, it’s me”. As a couple, Oliver and Fay aren’t together a whole lot and even though their potential HEA is possible, I’m not thoroughly convinced it’ll gel. If you’re okay with that, then my HFN-dislike shouldn’t deter your enjoyment.

What I loved best about “Playing House” was Oliver’s relationship with his family. As a second-generation Canadian, the child of immigrants, I totally understand the expectations, chasms of non-communication, and feelings of obligation, guilt, and love. I loved Oliver’s brother and his relationship with his mother. Their near-mute understanding at the end was the better HEA of the two. Case in point, this wonderful exchange between mother and son:

“Yes, Oliver was right,” Ma said. She flicked a glance at her middle son, “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“When am I ever allowed to let anything go to my head?”

I smiled and smiled. They were funny, dissimilar, and real. “Playing House” wasn’t as perfect as the last Lang I read, Clean Breaks (don’t you dare miss it!), but there was enough of her signature poignancy, humour, and sharp insight into character to see me return for the rest of this series and what she can do with a meatier length. With Miss Austen, we deem “Playing House”offers “real comfort,” Emma.

Ruby Lang’s “Playing House” is published by Carina Press. It was released on August 12. I received an e-galley from Carina Press via Netgalley.

When I found out there was a new novel that featured two urban planners falling in love, you can bet I was all over it: I'm fascinated by urban planning, yet this topic never comes up in fiction! In this short book—just over 100 pages—two professional planners get to know each other by touring homes all over NYC's Uptown. I so enjoy a book that makes me google locations, and this one had me searching for Strivers' Row and Forest Hills Gardens. Fast and fun,

Though novella length, Playing House was a delightful read with low conflict and an adorable plot. Both Oliver and Fay were well-developed, given the space in the novel, and I enjoyed the way they bonded over their shared love of architecture - it made my nerdy heart happy! I honestly wish the book had been longer to allow more build-up of the relationship in general. Also, I'm not picky about tropes but if you are a reader going into this looking for a fake relationship, it's dispensed with pretty quickly in the beginning. This is most likely the result of the story length. However, the rep is excellent and if you want a quick, passionate but comforting confection, this book is a great choice.

I received an ARC, courtesy of Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute, quick read - but I feel like if it had been any longer than ~100 pages I probably would've struggled to finish. The hardest thing to get through was the chemistry between the two MCs, which didn't really zing the way I think it was meant to ... and there were some very odd descriptions when it came to the more intimate scenes.

Overall, if you're looking for a fun quick novella, then this one will definitely fit the bill. And it's the start of a series, which means if you like it, there will be more to come!

I was unable to read and review the book by the publishing date due to other commitments. I will update the review immediately upon completion of the book. Thank you NetGalley and publisher.

Cute quirky romance love the chemistry between the characters they have history and it’s a novella so enjoyable and quick to read.

Ok so this book was a novella and I didn’t know that going into it. I finished it in like 5 minutes. Still, it was a pretty cute romance featuring a quirky Asian American couple. Beautifully written and although short, I really enjoyed the characters. I also appreciated the own voice perspective. I would continue the series for sure.

Short and sweet.

The last thing Oliver Huang expects to see on the historic Mount Morris home tour is longtime acquaintance Fay Liu bustling up and kissing him hello. He’s happy to playact being a couple to save her from a pushy admirer. Fay’s beautiful, successful and smart, and if he’s being honest, Oliver has always had a bit of a thing for her. Maybe more than a bit. Geeking out over architectural details is Oliver and Fay’s shared love language, and soon they’re touring pricey real estate across Upper Manhattan as the terribly faux but terribly charming couple Darling and Olly. For the first time since being laid off from the job he loved, Oliver has something to look forward to. And for the first time since her divorce, Fay’s having fun. Somewhere between the light-filled living rooms and spacious closets they’ve explored, this faux relationship just may have sparked some very real feelings. For Oliver and Fay, home truly is where their hearts are.
This was a decent enough read. It was actually a novella instead of a full book, which gives the author the task of fitting a full and likable story into not many pages. I found things a bit rushed because of it but all things considered, it wasn’t bad, if not a bit predictable for this standard plot.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

The entire book covers a few weeks in the lives of two single young professionals.

Young Urban Planners were part of a large social group in college. They were acquainted but only had one interaction. He sure remembers her, but not sure if she remembers him.

Years later, they bump into each other at an open house. A jerk is there & being super creepy to her. Well, who walks in but her college acquaintance. She foils the creep by saying he's her fiancé. Luckily, he plays along.

From there, the next few weeks are a blast with getting reacquainted, touring open houses, sharing the love of old craftsmen and the stirrings of something deep and real.

This is a cute story. It's got heart & is clever. Overall, a quick & enjoyable read.

A lighthearted and enjoyable novella - I actually wasn't expecting it to be as short as it was and was slightly disappointed when I reached the end because I just wanted more! Both Oliver and Faye are interesting characters to get to know, both going through a patch of like where they feel adrift and slightly lost. Though they run in similar circles, the pair have never considered each other 'friends' until a chance encounter leaves the pair wanting more and both seem to find a sense of purpose with each other.

Playing House is a really fun and romantic read that is perfect for a summer read!

I enjoyed this story very much but was surprised to realize it is only a novella. I wanted more. More of everything, more character development, more push and pull, just more. The story is there, absolutely, but I wanted more. 3.5 stars

Fay and Oliver are old friends, but haven’t really seen each other in awhile. She is a partner at a city planning firm, and he is looking for a job. They meet up during an open house and start to realize their friendship maybe more than professional or platonic. The problem is that Oliver didn’t tell Fay that he has applied to her firm months ago. So he is afraid that Fay will think he used her.

This book was a short, but enjoyable read. I thought the characters living in a career I wasn’t familiar with was fascinating. I did lament when it ended just as I was really getting into the characters but I do see that it is part of a series and #OpenHouse and #HouseRules are both coming out next year!!

Characters 8/10
Atmosphere 6/10
Writing style 7/10
Plot 8/10
Intrigue 6/10
Logic 8/10
Enjoyment 7/10

PLAYING HOUSE by Ruby Lang is a light-hearted Romance that features multi-faceted characters with very realistic problems. They were very relatable. Highly recommended.

After you have failed, how long does it take for you to move on? How long does it take for you to conquer the doubt in and of yourself? ⠀

Please meet Fay Liu, a recently divorced woman with her emotional scars and baggage and Oliver Huang, a single man, currently have no permanent job and live with his brother.⠀

They are actually from the same circles yet not close enough as a friend. What begin with innocent house tour continues with other not so innocent house tour and romantic tension to define what they are and who they are for each other⠀

As a romance junkie, this book fix my need with its HEA ending. The plot itself is predictable but I enjoy the pace and how the author write the backstory of the character. ⠀

This was one of those short romances that concentrates more on the developing relationship between two people at a crossroads in their lives. Couple that with a mini tour of the little know places in New York, that if you love traveling in off the beaten track will delight you as well. Playing House introduces us to Fay and Oliver, Asian Americans, New York transplant and native, and urban planners. They also happen to be in the same social circles, common friends and colleagues. She has just gotten through a divorce and although professionally successful feels adrift all of a sudden. He on the other hand has also been feeling adrift professionally as well. Aside from the fact that he feels the familial pressure of being more traditionally successful. When they accidentally reconnect, Fay and Oliver start this make believe relationship that have them touring apartments in New York while keeping problems aside. They discover how much they like each other and make believe becomes genuine enough that when real life intrudes they are both caught aware and become more adrift than before. Acknowledging what they really desire is the only way they can get their happy ending. Ruby Lang’s Playing House is perfectly paced and well balanced for such a short length. Character development and romantic relationship are tackled so well that there is no jarring blips in the story line. I love how imperfect both persons are and how well they realized that making the more conservative decision or taking the traditional path is not the only way to be happy or successful.

𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 by @ruby.lang

This was such a cute romance story. The two main characters, Oliver and Fay are adorable nerdy urban planners. They bond over touring the open house scene and enjoying the structure of the buildings (“talk to me nerdy”). Fay is transitioning from a divorce, while Oliver is finding his path in life and together they compliment each other’s needs. This was book 1 in the series and I can’t wait to read the next one, OPEN HOUSE.

This was a light, kind hearted modern romance about two people helping each other move forward in life. And as a New Yorker, I could relate to their obsession with real estate. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a short burst of joy in their day.

I loved it!

It's such a short, cute novella. And very sexy too, aye.

It was nice reading about a couple of the same descent as i am. I could relate to quite a lot of the cultural norms, and being able to do this was rather refreshing. I loved the romance and i would love more of Fay and Oliver!

My only regret is that it was a wee bit too short. If it had been a full length novel, it would've been a much more compelling story. The story felt as id it had been kind of rushed. Other than this, Playing House was amazing!

Much shorter than I was expecting going into the read, so I've opted not to write up a review for my blog as I don't think it's long enough to discuss. It was promising but I felt like I was missing key information going in and that their past was assumed knowledge. A full length book would've meant this could be explored more and I think would greatly have increased my enjoyment.