I am so tied on this book. Let me say what I loved: I loved the premise. As someone who loves the Knives Out franchise and The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, this seems like this would be right up my alley. But so much fell flat. First of all, there are way too many POVs. If it's a romance, then keep it between the two main characters. I didn't need to hear more points of view because then I just got confused. Also, the romance seemed like an after thought. Sure, the writing on how the games went down were good, but I wanted more tension between the main characters, the stakes to be higher, and it just wasn't there. I have to admit, I read this book very quickly, but maybe it was because I wanted to be done with it more than I was interested in what happened.

This is my 3rd Lacie Waldon book, and she is quickly becoming an author that I feel I can count on. Based on the description, I assumed Jess and Carter would be paired together for the game Carter's grandfather created. But my assumption was wrong. Here's the deal:

Jess had the opportunity to work at a larger publishing companies in New York, but she missed her dad, her home. She decided to move back and took a job with a smaller publishing company. Sure, the pay is less, but she's where she wants to be with the people she wants to be with. The only person that doesn't include is Nikki--a girl she went to high school with and who chooses to torment her at every opportunity. Jess meets Carter, and she gives him a tour of the town. They have a small connection, but Carter isn't planning to stay in town.

Carter has been helping his grandfather behind the scenes for many years. His grandfather was wealthy and enjoyed using his wealth to anonymously help people in his town. Carter thought his grandfather would leave his fortune to him so that he could continue the work they did together helping people. He now feels certain his mission is to compete in the game and win the money so he can do just that. He doesn't count on meeting Jess and developing a connection to her or the town of Redford that he tried to avoid for so long.

Through the course of the game many relationships are mended, and the town becomes a better place which was Jasper's ultimate goal. Of course, each character has an arc, and I appreciate that Lacie Waldon didn't just write from Jess and Carter's perspective. Nikki was a surprisingly likeable character, given how things started between her and Jess. I wouldn't mind exploring her story a little more, but maybe the wrap up was enough.

Favorite quotes:
-"I'd just like to congratulate you for doing such a great job with this distance plan of yours. You're really killing it."

-"You're not sliding back and forth between too much or too little. You're you. The perfect amount. And the people who are meant to be in your life will appreciate that, and they'll hold onto you. I know I, for one, intend to."

I highlighted a few other quotes , but they're spoilers. I also highlighted a quote about a character priding himself on his refusal to take instructions from anyone. And boy howdy did that one hit home! That's not me at all. I am a rules follower through and through. But I apparently married a man who can't stand being told what to do and birthed one too. And I've got to say that it's an annoying trait at times.

The Only Game in Town was a good book. I liked the premise. A benefactor throws an entire town into a game to see who might be the most worthy of his leftover wealth. Jess and Carter were so easy to root for. I hurt for Jess at times. I think I even got teary over her relationship with her dad. Nikki even turned out not to be so bad. And I enjoyed her additional narration. The Only Game in Town gets 4 Stars, and I can't wait to see what Lacie Waldon might publish next. Have you read The Only Game in Town? What did you think? Let me know!

When the richest man in small town Redford, Georgia, passes away, the townspeople expect a funeral and then food. They do not expect a multistep competition for his fortune. Jasper Wilhelm was always eccentric, though, and he loved that town.

A game with a $10 million prize? Who wouldn’t want to participate, even if it means being paired up with your enemy?

Jess Reid has the small town spirit. She’s bubbly, full of life, and helpful, and she left a job in New York to come back to her hometown, to her father, to the people she loves. And, despite being paired with the woman who has made it a mission to make her miserable since high school, Jess is motivated to win that prize.

Carter Barclay is buttoned-up, proper, and from the big city. Estranged from his parents, his grandfather, Jasper, was the last family that Carter had, and now Jasper seems to have plans for him from beyond the grave. Carter expected to return to Atlanta shortly after the funeral, but now he’s stuck in Redford as part of the game for the foreseeable future. And he finds himself continually drawn towards outgoing Jess.

Who will win the game and take home the big prize? Will Carter and the townspeople remember what truly matters?

This one will give you the warm fuzzies.

If you are a fan of small town romance, check this one out. The small town here is not just the backdrop of the story; the community itself and how its individuals respond to the demands of the game are central to the plot. Redford is full of colorful characters, as we see in many small towns and small town settings, and they can be outspoken, stubborn, and entertaining. They can also be caring, supportive, and heartwarming.

The opposites-attract relationship between Carter and Jess warmed my heart. From him coming to her rescue when they first meet, to a starlit boat ride, to a caretaking scene, they kept me grinning.

I would be remiss, however, if I did not mention the multiple points-of-view used in the book. Much of it is written in dual POV—Jess and Carter—but there are a handful of chapters written from the perspectives of two secondary characters. I can see why those choices were made but don’t know that those perspectives were necessary to the overall narrative and character development of the story.

I received an advance copy of the book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

Thanks to Putnam for a copy of The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon.

The Only Game in Town had a cute premise, but it missed the mark for me. I love women's fiction and wished this book had been marketed as women's fiction and not romance as the romance was only a small part of this book. This book was more about Jess's growth and the town coming together.

It was a cute small town with quirky side characters, but overall I was bored and I didn't like Jess as a character, she was way too immature. This book seems more New Adult to me and this was just not a book for me.

Small town story full of quirky characters, shenanigans and with a side of romance. Redford, Georgia is a very small town where everyone knows you and your history. When town patriarch and benefactor Jasper Wilhelm dies he leaves behind a golden opportunity. The prize is $10 million dollars but to win it you must win his game. He has decided who everyones partners are, the game plan and the scoring system that his lawyer is keeping it to himself. In a twist he teams up people who have had ongoing feuds for years. The exception is including his grandson Carter Barclay. Carter is a successful financial advisor and has been helping his grandfather fund scholarships and other anonymous philanthropic activities that benefit Redford. But he never visited in the town his grandfather loved.

Jess Reid is independent book editor. She returned from her big NYC job to be near her father and her best friend. Small sparks fly between she and Carter but she has her own personal reasons for wanting a share of the money. The elimination contests include things like scavenger hunts, pie eating and trail hiking. A romance between Jess and Carter happens and isn’t the main focus. Nikki is the partner for Jess and get’s her own storyline. She’s had a grudge with Jess since high school and comes off like a petty mean girl until you realize underneath she has her own insecurities and a good heart.

Surprisingly the story is told from multiple POV's including the MCs but also Jess's father and Nikki. I'm not sure I needed more than the duel characters narratives.

Like the authors two previous books, which I’ve read, I think of this as general/women’s fiction with a romance bonus. And like the previous books it is clean for language and includes only a couple kisses and a mention of spending the night together. This is a feel good, small town story and I think the contest is in fun concept. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)

The Only Game in Town is fun. I could use a lot of fancier adjectives to describe it, but that's just what it is. After all, what's more entertaining than reading about an entire town participating in Barbie jeep races and scavenger hunts to win a $10 million inheritance from the town's wealthiest benefactor. It's a rom-com, and so there's the mandatory romance, but there's also lots of friendship and small-town loyalty, making Lacie Waldon;'s latest book a true light-hearted pleasure to read! Thank you so much for the opportunity to review!

I liked the small town feel and most the people in the town, but there were a few thigs that didn't work for me. For example when Jess's dad tells her he's sick it all happens off the page and you're just kind of left to guess/infer what he said, and then later Jess says he has cancer and there isn't anything more the doctors say they can do, but then at the end he's magically better. It seemed like the author wanted that storyline to be Jess's motivation, but didn't really want to go into it too much or do much research into cancer. Also, it really bothered me that Lexi poisoned the one guy, and Nikki knew it but she just didn't say anything. Yeah he ended up okay, but he could have died and Lexi just got away with it. And then the thing with Nikki thinking Jess's dad was hot and it seemed like the author wanted to hook them up, but didn't have the nerve to do it. It just seemed like there were a lot of threads that the author left hanging and I was frustrated by that. It was fine for what it was, but I definitely won't be going out of my way to recommend it to anyone.

This was a good read. Small town, rom com with characters who had some depth.

Was it slightly predictable? Yes. Did I enjoy reading it? Yes. Would I recommend it to others? Yes.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯.
𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦.
𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳.

This was such a fun book! I loved the competitions especially the scavenger hunt. Waldon came up with so many fun games and I thought they were all great.

The small town of Redford, GA was the perfect setting for this book. I loved all the eccentric characters and felt like I was part of the town while reading. Redford was a character of its own.

Although this is a romcom, it’s not overly heavy on the romance which I actually enjoyed. For me this story focused more on the people of the town which was a refreshing change for a romance. My favorite character was Nikki, Jess’s lifelong enemy and partner in the competition. Nikki starts off as a bully, but her character grows so much throughout the story, and you couldn’t help but root for her.

Waldon’s books are always so unique and entertaining and The Only Game In Town was no exception. If you’re looking for a small town story with fun competitions and some romance then this is the book for you.

Thank you Putnam Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a sweet, closed-door small town love story between a free spirit freelance editor and a career driven financial advisor.  While this is considered a romance novel, I would say it's more adventure-esque driven with bits of romance sprinkled in.  My favorite part would be the quirky townspeople.  It honestly reminded me of Gilmore Girls.  

Overall, I have no strong feelings about this book.  It was a nice palate cleanser from all the thrillers I've been reading lately but there was nothing really exciting about it.  It's a take it or leave it kind of book for me.

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for the advanced copy to review!

Wow wow wow. This book was amazing. I've read one of Laci Waldon's books in the past and thought it was pretty good, so I didn't have crazy high expectations for this book. I was just thinking that I would enjoy it and move on. I did not expect to be so drawn into the plot and the characters!

This felt like a truly unique book to me. The concept of a town competing in a game to win a fortune was a refreshing take on a traditional romance book. The romance genre of the book is what initially drew me in, but the plot of the game is what kept me coming back to devour the book. The characters also were nuanced and felt real-- they had layers to their personalities beyond just their quirks.

Overall, I was so impressed with this book. It really blew me away by how much I enjoyed it. I can't wait to see what Waldon does next!

3.5 Stars Overall

While this book is in the romance genre, it's so much more than that. Told from multiple points of view, it's more a book about the charm of a small town, of finding comfort in home, that building a family isn't only by blood, and that wasting time on petty feuds accomplishes nothing.

The romance is actually secondary in this one, and for me, it works. Jess Reid grew up in Redford with just her dad, who is also her best friend. When the town benefactor, Jasper Wilhelm, dies suddenly, he leaves one final request for the Redford - everyone is paired up and two lucky townspeople can compete to win 5 million dollars each.

In town for the funeral, and forced to take part in the competition, is Jasper's grandson, Carter Barclay, a buttoned-up financial advisor. Jess is everything Carter isn't used to. She's open and honest and lots of fun. Carter is guarded, and careful and unsure of what healthy relationships should look like. Lots of great, quirky characters and some really fun moments.

I didn’t love this one. I didn’t hate it. But I also wasn’t drawn to it. I first read The Layover last year & truly loved it, especially considering it was a debut novel, so I was excited to get my hands on this one.

The synopsis is so fun & the whole story gave me the vibe of Gilmore Girls/Stars Hollow. A beloved (and wealthy) member of the small town, Jasper, has passed away & is leaving $10 million to two lucky residents. Before he passed, he arranged for that money to be given to the winner of a series of town-wide games. Jasper paired residents up with their enemies, so hijinks are sure to ensue.

There are two primary story lines here…Jess and her enemy Nikki & Jess and Carter (Jasper’s nephew). We see a new friendship formed and the beginning of a relationship. Where it fell a little flat for me was lack of dialogue. There was some, but most of the pages were full of long paragraphs and descriptions. It’s the class “show, don’t tell” struggle. There was a lot of telling here & not a lot of showing. It kept me from fully connecting to the characters and their connections.

Overall, not a bad book, but it wasn’t memorable. I did love the small town aspect. The whole story line felt like it could’ve been an episode on Gilmore Girls. It just struggled to come to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book will be released March 21, 2023!

So cute!!! Love this romance energy. The game was so much fun, the main characters were adorable together and just the small town family aspect is amazing. I do wish they went a drop deeper with some of the characters and also wish they committed a drop more to the spice but overall pretty good.

DNF at 55% - I really wanted to love this book. I've loved Lacie's other books and had high hopes for this one, but I wasn't a fan of the 4 POV, and it felt to me a little like this book couldn't decide if it was about the town or about Jess and Carter...

Thank you to Netgalley for my complimentary e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.

Having read Lacie Waldon's previous books, I thought I knew what I was going into with this one. And while it wasn't exactly what I thought it would be, it turned out to be even better! Told from multiple points-of-view, this romance is as much between two people as it is between people and their town.

Jess lives in small town in Georgia, editing books. She's close to her father, Ross, who was just a teenager when she was born and raised her alone. Her best friend Liz moved away some time ago, leaving her to deal with frequent run-ins with her enemy Nikki, who lives to harass her. When the town's philanthropist Jasper Wilhelm dies, his grandson Carter comes to town for the funeral. Having regrets about never coming to visit Jasper despite how close they were - they secretly funded a lot of charity and financial assistance in the town together. Jess and Carter meet at the town's bar, where Carter saves Jess from another unpleasant encounter with Nikki and her posse of mean girls. They're instantly attracted to each other but quickly learn that they're about to become competitors for Jasper's money. That's right! The old man left his money to the town in the form of a 10 million dollar prize to be won by teams of two people made up by the town's citizens - and Carter. Money he thought would already be going to him to continue his grandfather's secret gifting missions. Now forced to compete for the money as well as try to prove to the town that he's not being set-up to win, Carter is having a hard time staying away from his opponents, Jess and Nikki, who is in this for her own reasons. As the competition gets more and more high stakes, so does the tension between them.

With a full cast of characters and multiple points-of-view, the people and their relationships are really at the heart of this story. Jess and her father. Jess and Nikki. Nikki and Jess's father. Jess and Carter. Carter and Bryce. Carter and his parents. Carter and Jasper. Plus the relationships and friendships all around town. Not to mention the heart and humor along the way.

I really wanted to love "The Only Game in Town" by Lacie Waldon, but this was a DNF for me.

Lacie Waldon's character descriptions come to life in this novel, I can feel the Southern-esq style throughout the different characters Point-of-views. Overall, I think this is what made it so hard for me to get into.

This was the perfect small town romance read! I loved that Jess really got Carter to open up and experience the wonderful things their small town had to offer. The games added a lot of funny moments for all of the characters. Redford seems to be the type of town you get sucked into and never want to leave! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon

A big thank you to @netgalley, @putnambooks, and @allaboutthat_lace for the opportunity to read this #eARC in exchange for my #honestreview! This will be published March 21 and is available for preorder now. 💕

Redford, Georgia is a small town that is big on community. Jess has called Redford home her whole life, through the good and the bad despite never fully feeling she belongs. When Carter visits Redford, it’s to attend the funeral of his beloved grandfather, Jasper, and for the reading of his will. Things take an exciting turn when, during the reading of Jasper’s will, the estate lawyer announces there will be a contest among the residents of the town and Carter to compete in pairs of two to win his fortune of $10 million. Will the town of Redford learn to work together or will the pressure be too much for these pairings? Let the games begin!

This was so good! I have to admit the premise didn’t have me fully sold immediately but Waldon did it so well! I also absolutely loved that the FMC, Jess, was an author so there were a few nods to narrative form and a kind of breaking of the fourth wall to address the conflict for the MC before the resolution. A very cute romance filled with good feels, solid pop culture references (Golden Girls, and T.Swift, and Barbie - oh my!) and a small town vibe. This is exactly what I am looking for in a closed door contemporary romance! Romcom lovers should run to this one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 - 4.5/5

This book was cute, if a little predictable. No spoilers here, but I think the only plot point that truly surprised was a big one involving her dad, and I didn’t really get the resolution I wanted at the end of the book.

The main couple was really cute together, and I liked both of them separately and as a couple. I didn’t mind their alternating POVs. But the occasional jumps into supporting characters’ points of view were somewhat jarring and didn’t feel like they really added to the main plot. That space could have been devoted to the main characters and let that story have a bit more depth.