*4.25 Stars*

I really enjoyed this small town YA romance. The setting was really well described, I could really see myself in the town. I liked the main characters, especially Harper but I also felt for Ollie and her struggles though she did annoy me at times. Still, this was really so good and I loved the friend group so much and the family drama and the college drama and the D&D stories, though that last one might have been my least favorite of my favorite parts. I did like them but it felt like there was a little too much and it threw me out. Still, D&D was an integral part of this story and I found it really interesting. It really did add a layer to this already layered book. I also appreciated how there was so many different families in this book and how not two of those were similar in vibes.
So, yes, a short book with a punch that I would definitely recommend.

Roll for Love is a gorgeous nod to the country queers. A lot of stories about country queers feature them leaving in order to embrace their queerness, but that’s not the case for all of them and it’s very refreshing to see a story where the characters embrace their roots and stay where they are. Ollie and Harper were so swoonworthy and I loved watching them grow and develop into themselves!

When Harper moves into her grandfather's house, she wasn't sure what to expect of the small town that was so much a part of her childhood. All she wants is to work on her carpentry, find a D&D group and maybe reconnect with the cute girl next door who used to be her best friend. When Ollie sees Harper for the first time in years, she too is overcome with memories of a friendship that ended before it became something more. Ollie may have a solutions for some of Harper's problems, but she's not ready to announce her preferences to the community at large. Can a romance that begins in a game survive the pressures of a small town?

A wonderful cast of characters, enough stakes to make the reader concerned without being overwhelmed, and an excellent D&D subplot that can fuel the imagination of players everywhere. Enjoy this one!

Roll for Love is an absolute critical hit! This book rolls a natural 20 for heartwarming romance, self-discovery, and the nerdy magic of Dungeons & Dragons, delivering a story that’s equal parts swoon-worthy and geek-tastic. I may not be a Dungeon Master myself (my D&D knowledge is powered solely by binge-watching Critical Role on YouTube), but the way the game is woven into this story made me feel like I could pick up some dice and start slaying dragons—or at least fall for a Paladin.

Harper and Ollie’s journey? Not one love story but TWO. Yup, that’s right—double the feels, double the romance! Their sparks fly in real life and through their D&D characters, which made me fall for their relationship not once but twice. Honestly, who knew I’d be shipping a Barbarian and a Paladin? It’s genius, it’s adorable, and it had me rooting for them from the first encounter.

As a queer reader, I want to hug this book and then shout about it from the rooftops. The sapphic romance feels so authentic and beautifully portrayed. Yes, Harper and Ollie are queer, but that’s not all they are. This story is about so much more—love, family, friendship, and having the guts to chase your dreams even when it’s scary (or your mom wants you to do something else).

If you’re a D&D expert, a clueless newbie (hello, it me), or someone who just loves swoony, second-chance romances with a geeky twist, Roll for Love is the book you need. I laughed, I swooned, and I may or may not have cried into my popcorn. Bottom line: This is a book I’ll be recommending to everyone in my library, my game night group, and maybe even a few strangers on the street. It’s that good.

Really well written, unique and charismatic! Pretty much unlike anything else! A lot of fun! I liked both the setting and the unique premise and nerdiness of it all!

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.