I'm always weary when I start a romance book but this was such a good book in so many ways.

For starters, the writing is incredible ; it's smooth, packed with emotions that feel real and overall enjoyable.
I loved to discover Clintville and the story of Harper and Ollie, interwoven with the more "fantasy" aspect of the book, in the form of the D&D sessions.
A lot of important discussions happen in this book and they always felt real and genuine. This book also made me not completely hate a third-act break-up and, as someone who's very judgey and often times just a plain hater of those parts of romance books, I was pleasently surprised and that's what finally won me over completely.
The setting is awesome, the goals that the characters - either IRL & IRP - had were very tangible and a joy to follow.
This group of friends is now very precious to me and I think you'll love to get to know them as well and push the doors of The Gay Barn as you untangle their feelings and yours in Roll for Love.

Thank you Running Press, M. K. England and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. This review is entirely my own and honest opinion.

Disclosure: The author and I were both New Jersey librarians at the same time and knew each other casually.

Roll for Love is another nerdy, feelings-drenched hit from M.K. England, who writes YA books about and for actual young adults. It's a second-chance book about queer country girls, which is tough to do when the characters are so young, but England pulls it off while shining a light on some real truths about queerness and conservatism in small Southern towns.

A thoroughly satisfying and wholly entertaining tale about finding one's place in the world and community through the joys of roleplaying games. Unabashedly, unashamedly, enthusiastically queer, with plenty of positive LGBTQ representation and diverse characters. The friends-t0-lovers theme is strong here, with a delightful cast. England also does an excellent job of exploring the trade school vs college debate, as characters embrace their passions (woodworking, farming, etc) while challenging the necessity of a traditional four-year degree. Thoughtful and heartwarming.