4.5 ⭐️

I was a bit wary going into this because geeky FMCs are so often done a disservice and just ooze NLOG vibes with no discernible personality. But I liked the premise of rival game nerds and it’s a new author, so I gave it a chance.

Let me tell you, I am so glad I did. I adored Rose. Her character development throughout the book is so good. She’s got a good (on paper) job, is working on her MBA, has loving parents (tbh, I think everyone loves her parents 😂), plus her own found family, and more interests than just games (even if one of those interests is excel spreadsheets, but like, me too Rose, me too).

And William! I feel like we could’ve gotten a bit more out of him, however, I find often that depth is given with dual POV, which we didn’t have here. Still, he’s a great MMC and I love them together.

Overall, the story is fun, very bingeable, low spice (a few steamy scenes, but nothing explicit) but good tension (the kitchen 🫠), lots of nerdy references, good and sometimes awkward flirting, and some laughs.

I also really liked the “plot twist”, and I put that in quotations because it’s pretty obvious to the reader so it’s not much of a twist imo, but seeing it unfold and the characters figure it out was so much fun.

Thank you NetGalley, Forever, and Grand Central Publishing for this advance reader copy! You can pick up Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel on January 14, 2025!

Playing Flirty is a perfect mix of nerdy, sexy, funny, and heartwarming romcom! I love Rose' and William's sizzling chemistry and their bond over games of all kinds. The story has countless video games and The Lord of the Rings references that's perfect for nerds!

**** TROPES ****

~ "Nemesis" to lovers ~
~ Found Family ~
~ Silent broody MMC ~
~ Slow burn ~
~ Closed door spice ~

**** TRIGGER WARNINGS ****

~ FMC deals with sexual harassment in workplace ~

I highly recommend picking up Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel if you are looking for an adorable, geeky contemporary adult romance!

Absolutely loved this slow-burn Adult Contemporary read, full of gaming and nerd culture and a silent, broody love interest. 'Playing Flirty' is all about found family and shenanigans, while also about discovering who you are, and unlearning some of the bad stuff from childhood. Highly recommended!

‘Playing Flirty’ concocts the ultimate long game with two nerdy, sexy leads who increasingly want to devour each other in every round they play. Their dynamic is so effective due to their emotional arcs and nuanced character building. The developments that they have, together and as individuals, make all of the heated moments that much more satisfying. Their pristine chemistry, crackling banter, and the palpable cocktail of tension and yearning are delicious. This book settled into my bones with its realistic depth dipping its toes into workplace sexual harassment, overwhelming life goals, and personal fears. The commentary on the line between what constitutes harassment and compliments being all within the intent of the speaker left me speechless at how succinctly truthful it was. What will stay with me most is the discussion on the idea of being ‘too much’ and how taking up any sort of space is never a negative thing. Sometimes you read a book that explores truths about yourself you didn’t know you needed to hear before reading the words across the page and I’m really grateful for Shameez Patel’s prose here.

4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced copy! You can pick up Playing Flirty on January 14, 2025.

This book was the perfect mix of nerdy, sexy, funny, and heartwarming! I loved William and Rose's banter and hate-to-love relationship. Their bonding over games of all kinds was so sweet and right up my alley, Even though the spicier scenes were behind slightly closed doors, the tension that Shameez Patel built up was delicious, and I appreciated the moments of "will they/won't they" more anyway.

I also didn't expect this book to convey so much about feeling stuck in your life and feeling like you're not accomplishing the goals you set out for yourself. Rose's struggles with her job and lackluster relationship were relatable and understandable, helping us see her character growth vividly.

I can't wait to read more from Shameez Patel!

Ok this one was SO cute and nerdy and I ate it up! I love Rose and William (and their buddies!) so much. It was steamy and fun, lighthearted, and the ending!! 🥹🥹🥹🫠

This delightful, adorable, nerdy romance will have you swooning. If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings references (who isn't?), gaming, and steamy, brooding moments on balconies or in kitchens, then you will adore Playing Flirty. Debut rom-com author Shameez Patel brings us a slow-burn love story packed with laugh out loud worthy moments as you root for these two to finally stop denying their chemistry and get together. And when Will finally catches on? Totally worth the slow-burn waiting!

I gotta say, this was not for me at all. But i think it could be fun for someone else! so take my review with a grain of salt.

I was drawn in by the concept (board games! LOTR!) but I dont think the "nemesis" to lovers trope was executed well at all. I didn't get enough hate or tension for the transition to lovers to feel satisfying. I also think some of the game and LOTR metaphors were way overdone and it got repetitive and tiring. Some of the secondary characters were not fully fleshed out, but others (like Rose's mom and best friends) were fun.

I'll also add that it needs a cw for workplace sexual harassment (and parts of this plot didnt feel fully resolved but that was probably just me).

Overall, it could have been done better but I didn't DNF so it was at least good enough to finish.

Playing Flirty sounded like the book of my dreams but fell short of what it was trying to accomplish. It needed more spice and the harassment storyline did not have a satisfying resolution. The writing also felt quite juvenile at times. Overall not quite what I expected.

A cute, nerdy, and entertaining rom-com that will get you out of a reading slump! I loved all the references and connected well to the main characters.

“For someone who loves these games, you sure are afraid to roll the dice”

If you like Lord of the Rings references, and embracing your inner nerd while also getting a romance then this is for you. While I don’t know a lot about games (except the basics like Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders and a few video games by name only) this truly felt like a callback to a dying industry. So many games now are on our devices and Patel really makes the case for Overpowered.

William and Rose have tension and it’s spanned for years. While it was a lovely story, there were some aspects that were kind of predictable and the big reveal for me (while cute) sadly, didn’t have the emotional payoff. The set up in the beginning gave away a lot, so the reveal didn’t have the punch I think readers will like.

Please note, Playing Flirty also has Rose dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace. I’m happy to see authors showing characters standing up for themselves while also imparting knowledge.

Now I have some thoughts on the subplots of the book, and this area has some spoilers.

Bringing back Patrick was shaky. Maybe it was an attempt at redemption and closure but it wasn’t working for me. At that point in the story, Rose had grown significantly. Taking ownership, action, and charting her own course. It felt like we were going 3 steps backwards story-wise instead of forward.

Instead, I wish the conflict and familial trauma Will and Shaun were dealing with could’ve taken more of the lead. We had to wait a long time (about 87% in) to really get to the root of why the brothers have such a rocky relationship with their father. But it never was truly explored. It’s a significant part of William’s character arc that we didn’t get to know. When it finally came around it felt rushed when it could’ve been beefed up.

Overall solid debut, and a quick read. I love supporting my South Asian authors and I love the growth and expansion. Giving this 3.5 stars. Congratulations, Shameez!

Thank you so much Forever for the ARC.

I really enjoyed Playing Flirty. It was full of banter and sizzling chemistry between the main characters. Rose and William are part of the same gaming group but constantly but heads until all of that competitiveness turns into something hotter. If grumpy best friend’s brother and secret relationship tropes are for you than so is this book While the book centers around a group of friends who game together it does not shy away from heavier topics such as childhood trauma, and sexual harassment in the workplace. I think the author handles all of the topics beautifully. It was a fast enjoyable read and I found that once I started I couldn’t put it down. If you are looking for a fun, funny contemporary that is an ode to nerds of all kinds this is the book for you!

Thank you so much to Forever and NetGalley for the advance ready copy of Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel!

Rose is a regular participant in Game Night with her friends. She gets to work with her best friend Shaun, who at the beginning of the book is about to propose to their mutual best friend, Neema. Rose’s game night nemesis is Shaun’s half-brother, and game designer, William. Rose has developed a game and starts to work with William to prepare to enter it into a contest.

Soon the two of them begin playing a game of their own.

I loved this book so much!! Once I started it I couldn’t put it down. Shaun and Neema are wonderful and Rose and William have such great chemistry. I love a story where one of the MCs has a perceived nemesis. I enjoyed how these two partnered together on Rose’s game and everyone’s belief and encouragement of her throughout the process. If you also like a secret relationship, situationship trope, this is one to check out.

I will definitely be getting a copy of this book upon release and will be checking out future titles from Shameez Patel!

Lo disfrute.

Shameez, excelente debut.


Me gustó como se dió la relación entre Rosa y Will (aunque me espante al incio con Patrick), la amistad de los cuatro se me hizo linda, su noche de juegos fue entretenida.

Con la única cosa que sufrí fue con lo que Rosa tuvo que soportar en su trabajo, se me rompía el corazón cada que el maldito le hacía algo y ella intentaba hacer menos la situación para poder aguantar. Quería darle un abrazo y decirle que no es su culpa y que hizo bien en denunciar.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a lot of fun, and as someone who isn't huge on games, board, mobile or video, it was still really enjoyable. I'm slowly getting into the game world and this entire premise was alot of fun. it was overall an entertaining read. if you're looking for something fun and quick, maybe to get you out of a reading slump, this is the book.

I did find the characters relatively flat. There was alot going on but it still felt like each character was pretty one-dimensional. the first few chapters was paced a little weird. It all went by really quickly. But at other times, I felt the book was going way too slowly and that nothing significant was happening. I also felt that the second 'game' William and Rose were playing privately was confusing. I didn't fully understand the premise and it felt pretty loosely planned which didnt help.

Overall, this was a fun read and I didn't have a bad time at all. I read it in one sitting. The story moves really quickly and there is enough tension and development that I was never bored. I do think the overall plot line and writing style could have been planned a bit better to help the story get to that next level.

2.75/5

This book was perfectly geeky/nerdy and fandom-loving in the best way! As someone who also loves board games, I loved how this book portrayed the fun and competitiveness amongst the friend group, and especially between Rose and William. I loved all the fandom references in the book and the fun LOTR nicknames William called Rose. William is a great book boyfriend to fall in love with! 4 1/2 stars!

This was such a cute book! I loved the combination of Rom-Com and nerdiness. This really was so cute and enjoyable and I cannot say that enough. My nerd heart was in heaven with all the board game, LOTR, cosplay, and video game references. I devoured this book and will definitely read it again.
Rose and Will's slow burn romance, with clandestine balcony meetings and all the banter will hook you just like it did me!!

This is a delightful rom-com that captures the playful rivalry and undeniable chemistry between Rose and William. Wilsner’s sharp wit and clever dialogue make their competitive banter feel fresh and engaging. The nerdy backdrop adds charm, and the stakes escalate beautifully as Rose steps out of her comfort zone to pursue her passion for game design. Their evolution from playful adversaries to something deeper is both heartwarming and relatable. This story is a perfect mix of humor, romance, and the thrill of taking risks.

PLAYING FLIRTY is such a fun and playful love story about sort of rivals-to-lovers who love to win what no matter what game they're playing, even if it's one they make up just between the two of them. Rose strives to live her life by her spreadsheets she uses to plan out her life. With a boyfriend who she hardly ever sees and puts work before her, a boss who makes her uncomfortable, and no marriage or kids, she can hardly cross anything off that's she's accomplished on said spreadsheets. Thank goodness she has her friends and their game night even if it include's her friend Shaun's annoyingly handsome brother, William. They bring out their competitive and playful sides in each other... can they win each other over? I enjoyed how much similarities there are in between the games they play that pertain to life in general... strategy, taking risks, making decisions and even believing in yourself. I greatly enjoyed Rose and William's banter and especially loved the phrase Rose's dad says: "admire your own brilliance."

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was one of the best birthday presents! I loved this story and how giddily happy it made me. I read this in one day (because my family mostly left me alone to do so). I love game nights and conventions and apparently the rival/enemy to lover trope. The characters and drama were great, the references were perfect for my nerdy self, and the story unfolded naturally because nothing was forced for the sake of it. I saw a bit of myself as both of the main characters which made the story feel more personal. I loved it, no notes! Thank you Shameez Patel and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced copy.