Member Reviews
I've liked everything Ali Hazelwood has done and this was no exception. The premise was fun, all the characters were great, and I really liked their relationship. Miscommunication usually bothers me but this one wasn't too bad. It was a really well plotted novella and didn't feel too rushed - it was a great length with enough information to be interesting but didn't leave anything unfinished.
"Two Can Play" is a charming and entertaining novella that showcases Ali Hazelwood's talent for creating witty and engaging characters. It's a perfect escape for fans of romantic comedy and a delightful addition to Hazelwood's growing body of work.
This was a short and sweet romance cholk full of yearning and pining.
Ali Hazelwood is developing a knack for short stories; this is her best one yet. The characters and the romance had enouch attention to be fully fleshed out.
This was cute. I do love Ali Hazelwood and her funny little rom coms. I wish this had been a little longer, maybe she can flesh it out and go full novel length one day.
It a fun and short read (or in this case listen). It is a typical Ali Hazelwood book. They are all fun but they are all also very similar.
You can never go wrong with Ali Hazelwood. This was such a sweet story in a classic Ali Hazelwood kind of way.
I really wanted to like this book. It is well written I just think this is not the book for me. I had a really hard time getting into it.
3 stars
OBSESSED. This was so good. I listened to it practically in one sitting, because I needed to know how it would end!
I think this is my last attempt to read a book written by Ali Hazelwood. I enjoyed her first few books, but eventually they all came to sound like the same book. I had high hopes for this book, but it was much the same. I’m sorry, I wish I have a better review to give. I’m certain others will enjoy it. It just wasn’t for me.
Really cute i loved it i understood it meant to be short, but it felt too short to me I needed more from these too
This is lighthearted romance that brings a bit of charm to the workplace romance genre. The characters are likable, and the storyline is engaging, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. The chemistry between the protagonists is enjoyable, but there are moments when the pacing feels uneven, which affects the flow of the story.
While there are several funny and heartwarming scenes, some of the plot points feel predictable, and the character development could have been deeper. Despite these minor issues, Its still enjoyable read for anyone looking for a feel-good romance with a few laughs along the way.
Rating: 3/5
I’m surprised I genuinely liked this audiobook.
I have not been a fan of Ali Hazelwood’s books, not since Love Theoretically. There appears to be a focus of quantity over quality and I don’t like it because Hazelwood has the potential to write a fantastic romance. And I think Two Can Play demonstrates those aspects I love from Ali Hazelwood’s novel.
However, my only gripe with this audiobook is that it short which is a given since it is a novella. I think that the concept was so interesting that I think it would’ve worked well as a fleshed out novel but I understand why Hazelwood didn’t. I think that because it is a novella, the entire book is rushed and it was hard to savor it.
Overall, I enjoyed it but it was missing something.
This is a hard one to write since I usually find Hazelwood's books clever and fun and this was neither for me. I thought the premise sounded good and a different kind of technical/computer sciencey kind of field for her to put some smart banter so I was surprised at how little there was. It left me wondering if this was supposed to be a longer book and she gave up on it and they turned it into a novella? Also, for a short listen, this was made longer by me having to take a break from the person that they chose to narrate it. While I thank Spotify Media and NetGalley for the early listen in exchange for my honest opinion, if this will be a series, please choose narrators better in the future.
Such a cute story, this one is another win for Ali Hazelwood. I wish it were longer so I could see more of the romance unfold at a slower pace, but a solid choice for a romance.
Two Can Play is an irresistible novella that encapsulates everything fans adore about Ali Hazelwood’s storytelling. Viola and Jesse, rival video game designers, are forced to collaborate on a project, igniting a dynamic blend of tension and chemistry that makes for a captivating read. The story effortlessly weaves together elements of forced proximity and rivals-to-lovers, with Jesse harboring a long-standing crush on Viola that adds layers of complexity to their interactions.
What truly sets this novella apart is its clever integration of the gaming world and the characters’ shared love for the book they’re adapting, creating a rich backdrop for their developing relationship. The side characters are vibrant and add an extra layer of fun, enhancing the overall narrative without overshadowing the main plot.
Hazelwood’s signature charm is evident throughout, and the pacing is spot-on, making it hard to put down. The narrator brings the story to life, drawing you into Viola and Jesse’s witty banter and emotional moments. Honestly, I found myself wishing for more—100 extra pages wouldn’t have been too many!
With its perfect mix of steamy romance and playful rivalry, Two Can Play is not just a great read; it’s a testament to Hazelwood’s knack for creating engaging stories that linger long after the last page. If you’re looking for a cozy escape, this novella is a gem you won’t want to miss.
I typically love Ali's books - the steminist ones in particular, but even Bride - but this one unfortunately fell flat for me and was a DNF.
I loved this book, The narrator was amazing and The story was very fun to listen to and. You cant help but love everything she writes.
Ali Hazelwood is the queen of a miscommunication trope and I wish that as she does these, for once she can have it where the male character thinks the female one hates him instead of him hating her. But as it is with most of her novels, the girl figures it out, the guy is happy, and they finally get together. This was short and sweet, and a good listen for a long car drive, but I do feel her full novels tend to flow better than her novellas.
Classic Ali Hazelwood! This was everything that I wanted from a gamer romance and more. I hope she does more audiobook exclusives in the future. It was really unique
3 stars! ⭐ This was such a fun, refreshing read after being immersed in darker, fall-themed books, most of which have been fantasy! It’s my second Ali Hazelwood book, and it reminded me just how much I love her light-hearted writing and storytelling.
Though it was a shorter story that didn’t dive too deeply into the characters, I still felt a strong connection to Viola and Jesse and loved their journey. The premise of their companies collaborating on a video game was so engaging! As a huge fan of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (even though I know the vibes are totally different—I’m still chasing that same feeling, okay? 😭), I was excited to explore their world!
The best part about the short format? No time for a third-act conflict! I could just enjoy their relationship without being blindsided by an unnecessary argument or miscommunication. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys Ali’s writing and is looking for a light, fun romance to listen to.
Thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for the ARC of Two Can Play! 🎮