<i>Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>

I’m sorry to say this one just didn’t do it for me. I’ve read and enjoyed [author:Lacie Waldon]’s previous romance publications and found them to be entertaining and sexy. So I was super excited to receive this arc; unfortunately [book:The Only Game in Town] didn’t live up to its premise.

Jess is an editor of (mostly unread) romance novels, living in the small town of Redford, Georgia. She went off to New York after receiving an anonymous scholarship that allowed her a full ride to college, but missed came back because she loves the town’s quirky character and all the quirky characters who populate the town. Now, her best friend is her single father, Ross, who was just 16 when she was born and raised her after her mother decided to split. She meets Carter Barclay when he comes in to town from Atlanta for his grandfather Jasper’s funeral. Despite developing a close relationship with Jasper when he was cut off by his uberwealthy, morally compromised parents, Carter has never found time to visit Jasper’s hometown. Now, he finds himself pulled away from his demanding job when Jasper intervenes from beyond the grave by way of a huge, town-wide competition for a $10 million inheritance.

I could see where Waldon was going from the jump (heh), and while I adored this premise, I was less thrilled with its execution. Jess is somehow the least quirky of a town full of truly odd people, and she’s the kind of adult who carries a neon green change purse and sometimes wears a tutu in public. This is all fine, but like the rest of the town, Jess’ arrested development is pretty much her only notable trait. Carter, the very picture of a workaholic, the kind of guy who six of the same shirt and they’re all white. He’s an outsider and expects to be put off by all this <i>oddness</i> but he’s immediately drawn to Jess because she… refuses to stand up for herself when she’s bullied by her high school nemeses?

Actually, I revise my earlier statement. Nikki (who was too awful to be believed for the first half of this book) turned out to be the only character with a real inner life and who demonstrated growth throughout. In that sense, it’s good we got POV chapters from her and also Ross, but it shouldn’t have been necessary (and the subplot between them gave me the icks).

The people of Redford all seem to be feuding with one another over petty grievances, but I did enjoy Jasper‘s pairing people in order to repair their relationships. Their willingness to believe the worst from Carter, not to mention Jess (whose only secondary trait is that she loves Redford!) read as cruel. I almost wish Waldon had written this premise as a horror novel – not that I would read it, since horror is very much <i>not</i> my speed – but I can imagine it as something very dark and very, very funny.

[book:The Only Game In Town] by [author:Lacie Waldon]
⭐️ ⭐️.5 stars rounded down for failing to live up to its premise
🌶️ Cracks open the door a bit but didn’t bring much heat
🥧⛰️🚗 Contests for a dead rich guy’s money that were more weird than meaningful

This is a cute book but not at all what I was expecting. It felt very different from Waldron’s two other books. I really enjoyed the town game and the heart behind it but it’s one of those books labeled romance where the romance definitely felt secondary to the story. We get lots of povs and I adore Ross, Nicki grew on me and I loved their weird little relationship. Jess was a ray of sunshine but I felt pretty meh about Carter. Overall, while not heavy on the romance (and what little there is is closed door fyi) this is a cute quirky small town story.

The premise of this was fun and adventurous, but I had a hard time buying into it and feeling invested in the characters.

I was immediately pulled in by the synopsis for The Only Game in Town and really enjoyed the ride this book goes on! Told in multiple perspectives, this book follows a town-wide competition for $10 million. There’s Jess, the eccentric and original book editor; Carter, a financial advisor and grandson of the resident who set up the game in his will; Ross, Jess’s dad; and misunderstood bad girl Nikki. The community in this town was just wonderful. The games were a lot of fun, and I loved what the competition did to build the relationships, both romantic and platonic. I wouldn’t call this a romance—there’s a romance plot, but this is the town’s story and Jess’ journey. I loved the development in Nikki’s character and the quirkiness of the challenges for this competition. I wish this was a movie cause there are so many moments I would just love to see on screen. I do think the end of the competition was a little anti-climatic and I wanted a bigger moment to close out the story. But the community flies off the pages, you can feel the love they have. It’s emotional and heartwarming and sweet and just a very kind novel.

The Only Game In Town follows a whole group of people from the small town of Radford, Georgia, as they embark on a silly journey to try to win $10 million from the estate of one of the town eccentric millionaires who recently passed. While this book is marketed as a romance, and there is definitely a romantic subplot, I think the journey of a town working together is much more central to the plot.

I really enjoy Lacie Waldron’s writing style, and the way she constructs her books. At first, I was a little skeptical of the multiple POVs, but as the story went on and we got to know the four main characters more, I flund myself looking forward to the different characters perspectives.

This book is really plot heavy, and while the characters are lovable, their individual growth is not central to the story. I did really love Nikki’s arc throughout, and I wish we got more of her individual character background.

Great read for anyone looking for something light!

After the first 25-30% of this book, I was annoyed that this book is portrayed as a romance novel when it really isn’t. By the end, I didn’t care that much. I loved the main character, Jess (except for when she temporarily gets upset after finding out the truth about her scholarship- it doesn’t make sense!). I enjoyed the bit of romance there was and I enjoyed the chemistry between Jess and Carter. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I enjoyed the added POV chapters with Jess’s dad and her nemesis/bully/teammate, but in the end I really enjoyed those as well. It was fairly unique and I think really ended up adding something to the story. I do feel like the description of the book implies that the two main characters are going to be paired up for the competition, and wish it hadn’t. I also feel like the story could be paired down a little towards the beginning. I felt like the several mentions of Ross’s cancer without any detail seemed a bit odd, like more detail was purposely left out to make things easier for the author. Lastly, I enjoyed the ending and actually found it a pleasant surprise.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group (Putnam) for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!

I really enjoyed The Layover, so I was looking forward to this one. This book was not really what I expected, but I still enjoyed it.

After the richest man in the small town of Redford dies, it’s revealed at his funeral that $10 million dollars of his fortune will be given to the duo who wins a series of challenges. I assumed the main characters would be paired up for the game and have to lean on each other through all the challenges and obstacles causing them to grow close and fall in love. But everyone is actually paired up with their nemesis in the town. Our main character Jess, a quirky book editor, is paired up with her high school bully (and current bully) Nikki.

Speaking of Jess and Nikki, the book starts with our main characters meeting at the local bar. Jess is being bullied by Nikki and her minions, but is saved by the stranger in town, Carter (grandson of dead rich guy). Obviously that made me like him right away and I did really like his character throughout the book.

However, I don’t think I’d characterize this book as romance. There’s definitely romance in it, but a lot of the focus is on the small town residents and their relationships with each other. The game is definitely the focus of the book (probably should have figured that out from the title) and the romance is just the side story, which is fine, but just a heads up if you’re looking for a romance book. There was also a big focus on Jess and her relationship with her dad, Ross. He seemed like an amazing dad and I get why the author made him sick so Jess would have extra motivation to win the game, but I think too much time was spent on that and not enough on the romance. Give me all the romance!

Overall, I still enjoyed the book and I really liked the epilogue, so I would recommend it if you’re looking for something light and fun.

What a fun adventurous book! This book is done in multiple points of views between the various main characters. I loved being able to hear and feel what they were all feeling throughout the book. The plot of hook is such a fun unique idea. I feel like I am back in Stars Hollow with an episode of Gilmore Girls. This story takes places in Redford, Georgia. One of the towns billionaires has passed away and at his funeral he has left 10 million for the town. However, it comes with a catch. He has teamed the town up into pairs and they must compete in various games to win the prize. Jasper has paired the duos up with their arch enemies/rivals. The games are entertaining and include things like pie eating contest, hike up a mountain, racing in Barbie Jeep’s and more. Loved the side story of Jess and Carter. These two are so different but so similar. It was great watching their characters develop. I loved learning the backstories of various townspeople as they embarked on this crazy adventure to win the prize. Many thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

In a small Southern town, a secretly altruistic millionaire, Jasper, has died and left his fortune for the town he loves. He's devised a competition, the winner of which will receive 10 million, to be shared with a teammate. The catch? Jasper has already set the teams. Enemies have been paired across the town, coerced into working together for their a chance at the prize. For instance, our main character, Jess, has been set up with her arch enemy Nikki, the mean girl who has been taunting her for her whole life. Then there's Carter, Jasper's grandson, who expected the money to be left to him in order to continue their benevolence. Instead, he's been thrust into this game with a virtual stranger.

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to win, but will anyone get to the end, or will the teams fall apart before the prize can be won?

Was this story a little outrageous? Yes. Outside the realm of possibility? Maybe a bit. Full of ridiculous antics and laugh-out-loud moments? Definitely. I had a lot of fun reading this story, and would definitely recommend it to those looking for a sweet, enjoyable, humorous love story; the love between our love interests, the love of citizens for their neighbors and friends, the love of a wealthy benefactor for his town and family.

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC. I have chosen to review this book voluntarily, and all views are my own.

Absolutely loved this new one from Lacie Waldon. I have enjoyed her other books, but especially like how this was told in multiple perspectives and makes you fall in love with all of the characters, even those we never get to see inside their head.

Where From the Jump made me want to get inside Deiss’ head, I appreciated The Only Game in Town brings you the perspective from both main characters and more. I thought there was a good balance between Jess, Carter, and other perspectives and it felt like I was reading a movie, with a wonderful supporting cast. If this were optioned as a movie, I would definitely go to the theaters to see it. Can’t wait to see what else Waldon puts out since they just keep getting better!

Very thankful to have received an eARC!

I really really REALLY loved this book of quirky characters in a weird town with a millionaire calling the shots from beyond the grave. It was both funny and heart breaking, and I made myself read it slowly to savor the plot as it unfolded. I feel very fortunate to hate received an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

3.25/5 stars! This contemporary romance by author Lacie Waldon was such a fun and quirky adventure. I enjoyed every minute of it. Jess leads a simple life, with her job and helping care for her father. Carter is a free spirit that got roped into this small town in Georgia by his grandfather. This unlikely duo is out to win it in this high-stakes game; if they don't drive each other crazy first. I thought this was a fun read, and I enjoyed the banter between the main characters. What I wasn't fond of, was the varying POVs. It got a little complicated and overwhelming.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

I liked this book. I liked the concept, I liked the competition, and I liked the little romance that was actually there. But I expected way more romance. It is cute and sweet. I saw another review that mentioned Gilmore Girls and it does have a similar vibe.

DNF at 31% when I had such high hope. I was expecting a fun adventurous romance book about two people unexpectedly pushed together... this is not what I got. The romance definitely took a backseat two two girls dealing with unresolved beef from years ago. I didn't really like the small town vibe, it felt like there were too many people to keep track of. I just felt confused and the book just isn't for me.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons & NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this arc

There is a lot to like about The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon. Small town with loveable characters. Whacky competition organized by dead benefactor. Cozy family vibes and enemies that become friends. It’s a sweet book.

This was more about Jess loving her hometown than the relationship between Jess and Carter. It’s a light hearted, cozy story I’m sure many readers will enjoy. 3.5/5 Stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC. #TheOnlyGameinTown #NetGalley

The Only Game in Town was a cute feel-good story set in an adorable small town. All of the residents have their own quirks, there are some long-standing rivalries and grudges, but deep down - everyone cares and is willing to help out their neighbors. Carter and Jess have a cute romance in the book - definitely nice banter. The friendship with Nikki and Ross (and also Nikki and Jess) provides some comic relief and fun moments. The novel doesn't fit into a typical romance style but having chapters in the perspective of other town residents was refreshing. Overall the book was quirky, fun, and enjoyable. Thank you to Penguin Group / G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This was such a fun, fun book. The Only Game in Town has a ridiculous premise - but in the BEST way. After eccentric millionaire Jasper Wilhelm dies, he doesn’t just leave his money to his family in a will like normal. Instead, he sets the entire town of Redford into a game to win his ten million dollars. Heroine Jess wants to win it so she can work to edit more of the books she loves and help her dad. Hero Carter wants to use the proceeds to keep acting as Redford’s anonymous benefactor.

This book was a lot of fun to read. The characters were just so flushed out and the antics of the game itself were super clever. While there was a romance in the book, it explored all the different types of love instead of just romantic. I’ve read Lacie Waldon’s other books and enjoyed them, but she really outdid herself with this one!

Felt less like a romance than a feel good story and I wish I’d known that going in. Suspend reality in this quirky, cute tale!

Thank you for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

Think of this small town as Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, lots of little fueds and distinct personalitize, a town that feels like a family. This a romance between Jess and Carter but also a love story to small towns. Jess has lived in Redford, GA, her whole life, her Dad was 16 when she was born and he raised her on his own. Carter is from Atlanta and works in finance. He is astranged from all of his family except his grandfather. Jasper, his grandfather, recently passed and Carter has come to Redford for the funeral, but Jasper has one more plan up his sleeve. Jasper organized a town wide competiton to win his $10 million inheritance. He picked the teams, and no one is happy about them, and puts the town through some ridiculous challenges forcing everyone to have fun, come together, and fall in love with their small town.

If you love small town romances you are going to love this book. Every character has a distinct personality, silly actions/quirks that stand out. I loved that we not only got Jess and Carters POV but also Jess's Dad, Ross, and Jess's team partner/enemy, Nikki. It added to the small town charm but also gave more history to Jess. I wish we had another POV to support Carter's character more but thats ok. Carter and Jess clearly have chemisty and their banter is off the charts. I was laughing out loud and felt the characters pain. It was very well written and now I want to go visit Redford myself. I knocked off a star because I thought the end of the competition was a bit anticlimatic. That was the one scene I didn't feel like the characters reacted in the way I thought they would and felt a bit rushed. I would have liked a little more to it. But other than that this was a very fun read.

Tropes: Fall vibes; author; boat; competiton; Found Family; rivals; small town; unexpected inheritance; slow burn; clean romance

Quotes: "If he'd learned anything from being a single father, it was that you could never underestimate the amount of ice cream that might be needed."

"How can the smallest town I've ever been to give me the largest glimpse of the world I've ever seen?"

I really enjoyed this book! It is a lighthearted, quick story about a small town's competition to win 10 million dollars. The highlight of this book is the characterizations! You get to see personality and growth from even the side characters. The book is multi-POV, which really helped further develop the characters and their relationships.

With all of the challenges and wanting to find out who will win, the book flies by because you just can't stop turning the pages.

For romance lovers, this book is not filled with smut (closed door scenes only). Personally, I found that to be refreshing after some of the other "romances" I've read recently.

Thanks to Netgalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and Lacie Waldon for this eARC!