This book was everything you want from a cheesy rom com, likeable characters, cute side story, an easy read. I’m not really into gaming myself but ended up really liking the “double life” kind of trope, it was an interesting spin, overall really good read

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for this book
Enjoyed the unfolding story between the two characters and how in the end the only person you can be is yourself and in doing so you must be true to yourself. Found it easy to read a good book for the beach.

This was a very sweet and light-hearted read with a fun premise and great characters. I loved the plot and getting to know the ins and outs of the computer game.

This narrative unfolds through two intertwined storylines, one grounded in reality and the other in the virtual realm of online gaming. Both Sam and Luke navigate dual identities, each grappling with distinct challenges in their respective worlds.

In the real world, Sam (known as Samadhi) embarks on the ambitious venture of launching Shanthi Bags, a business venture she keeps hidden from her family. With her savings invested in a modest office space within The Nest, she pins her hopes on a crowdfunding campaign to propel her endeavor forward.

Meanwhile, Luke, a reserved individual consumed by his projects, struggles with interpersonal communication, particularly with the object of his affection. To escape his social anxieties, Luke immerses himself in online gaming, assuming the persona of Blaze.

As fate would have it, Sam, a longtime admirer of Blaze, unknowingly crosses paths with Luke in the virtual world of Bravura. Little does she realize that the elusive Blaze she idolizes is, in fact, Luke himself, blurring the lines between their online and offline identities.

"Playing for Love" is a heartwarming and engaging romance novel that had me utterly enthralled from the first page to the very last. This delightful story is a perfect escape into the world of love, passion, and second chances.

The characters in "Playing for Love" are wonderfully portrayed, each with their own unique quirks and relatable flaws. The chemistry between the two main characters is electric, and their journey towards finding love is filled with genuine emotion and authenticity. It's a pleasure to witness their growth and development as they navigate the complexities of their relationship.

The writing in this book is both eloquent and emotionally resonant, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the story. The author's ability to convey the characters' thoughts, feelings, and inner conflicts is superb, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

You've got mail! It's a(nother) Parfumerie adaptation!

I didn't even mind tbh. It's cute, breezy, characters are likeable and well paced. Dialogue is convincing and there's nothing cringe enough that made me put the book down. What more do you want in your romcom?

A computer game and it's players form the charcters for the plot and who knows the. Coding and rules best. A love story with 3 main players and a game that has serious outcomes for winners and losers.
Not a new plot as the most geekydoesnt always win the girl but nicely written and quite believable.

Sweet Talk by Cara Bastone is a charming and delightful contemporary romance that will leave readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling. With a unique premise and endearing characters, Bastone weaves a sweet and heartwarming story of unexpected connections and the power of love.

The story revolves around Dominic and Emma, two individuals with vastly different personalities and life experiences. Dominic is a charismatic radio host known for his smooth-talking ways, while Emma is a down-to-earth and practical woman who values stability. When their paths cross and they find themselves spending time together, a spark ignites, leading to a journey of self-discovery and a deepening connection.

Bastone excels at creating complex and relatable characters. Dominic's charm and wit make him an instant hit with readers, while Emma's relatability and vulnerability make her a character to root for. Their interactions are filled with banter, chemistry, and genuine moments that showcase the depth of their connection.

One of the highlights of Sweet Talk is the way Bastone explores the theme of self-acceptance and embracing one's true self. Both Dominic and Emma have their own insecurities and past traumas that they must confront, leading to personal growth and newfound confidence. Their emotional journeys are beautifully portrayed, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

The romance between Dominic and Emma is both sweet and steamy. Bastone expertly balances moments of tenderness and passion, creating a believable and captivating love story. The slow-burn aspect of their relationship adds to the anticipation and keeps readers engaged.

The writing style is engaging and flows effortlessly, making Sweet Talk an easy and enjoyable read. Bastone's knack for witty dialogue and heartfelt moments infuses the story with charm and authenticity. The incorporation of radio segments throughout the narrative adds a unique touch and provides insights into Dominic's world.

While the pacing of the story is generally well-handled, there are moments when the plot feels slightly predictable. Some readers may find certain aspects of the story familiar within the romance genre. However, the strong characterization and the chemistry between the main characters make up for any predictability.

Overall, Sweet Talk is a delightful and heartwarming romance that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. Cara Bastone's engaging storytelling, lovable characters, and heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and love make this book a recommended read for fans of contemporary romance. Prepare to be swept away by the sweet and tender moments that will leave you longing for your own love story.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a copy of Sweet Talk provided by the publisher.

This was overall a nice read which held my attention until the end. It deals with some really important themes around parent-child relationships, grief and online connections. The gaming background was interesting and novel for the two characters.
The ending felt a little bit rushed - the final conversation about online and irl identities could have been more expansive between the two characters before they reached a conclusion.
But I really like the Superman vs Clark Kent dilemma that they face and overcome.
A sweet love story which is great for a summer day or beach holiday!

This book wasn't for me. I did not believe the relationship between Sam and Luke. Sam spends most of the book not being into him at all. By the time they got together my interest was gone.

Nice concept, beautifully handled. Jeevani is a great writer I've followed for a while and shall continue to do so. I admit to having a problem re the gamer parts, but that's down to me and kudo's to the author for her research.

DNFed at 61%. I thought the plot of this book was a cute idea, but it just didn’t do it for me. Maybe the hidden gamer identities trope isn’t for me. I thought it was a bit of a stretch that neither Luke or Sam recognized each other at the Con event or recognized each others voices after hanging out almost daily. I also didn’t like that Sam’s problem with her business is “sullying” her mothers memory. It’s not a great excuse to not share your business adventure with your family. Sorry I’m an outlier and didn’t love this one.

A love story between two characters and personalities and real life vs online life. The story had me hooked because I like gaming and the story seemed relatable to times nowadays where a lot of People are meeting and falling in love with someone online.

It feels like You've Got Mail with the twist of gaming. It is in a way two timeline story as well one in present time and one in the online gaming mode. It is a pretty sweet read.

Such a super cute love story! Loved the characters, pacing was fine and I was along for the ride. I liked their relationship everything flowed smoothly I look forward to more from this author!

yes yes yes a hundred time yes!! the PERFECT romance for people who enjoy gaming but who are also hopeless romantics, this is THE romance for us!!

I Listened Playing for Love by Jeevani Charika about a pair who work in the same building but don’t realise they game online together too and read whenever I couldn’t get near the car (so, nighttime!) It’s my favourite audiobook so far, but Will possibly be in my top books of this year too, adored it in every single way- characterisation in this is absolute perfection, I love both in their own ways but their flaws are fab, and the ‘will they, won’t they,’ is spot on! A new ‘I will look out for their whole back catalogue’ author!! Thanks so so much to the publisher for the book in return for an honest review.

honestly not what I wanted. it was ok but it always left me wanting more. it was super slow and boring at times I almost didn't finish it.

A fun and engaging read. Great characters. Fast-paced plot. A thoroughly enjoyable light read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

this one isn't my absolute favorite. I read the synopsis and was really excited, but it kind of fell flat for me.

This follows a "You've Got Mail" theme, which is one of my favorite movies, but it does seem like a bit of a cheaper version of it. Sam and Luke work together and are also avid gamers in their free time, they start to fall for each other, but you guessed it, they don't know who the other one really is!

It is a sweet book that is an easy read but nothing too special about it. If you are looking for something relatively quick and has comp-sci/videogame rep pick this one up! 3/5

Thanks to netgalley for providing me with an ARC!