Ali Hazelwood has a type. Tall, dark, brooding, pining men whose sole focus is on a small, brilliant, underrated, talented, scientifically brained woman. And it works. This time she takes her STEM theme into the world of video gaming. It's a quick audiobook, 4 hours at best, but it's a complete story with great pacing.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

A quick short story of rivals to lovers with a video game storyline. A working retreat to put out a new game based an author’s best selling series. Enjoyable characters. Spicy romance.

Cute but like anything that's short, I wanted more story. The relationship build up was great, the miscommunication trope once explained was sweet and enduring.

This was a cute, fun read that hit on my nerd love and had the trope of archenemies to lovers. I struggle a bit with novellas because usually I want more from them, and this was no exception....I need a full on novel of Viola and Jesse!!! Fingers-crossed for a future release:)

Viola Bowen is a video game designer who is thrown into working on her dream game with a guy she just doesn't like, Jesse Andrews. When they have to do a design retreat at a wintery destination, Viola and Jesse are forced to spend time together and maybe work out their issues. And working out issues can be done in several ways...

This was a fun, short read that also managed to pack a lot of emotion. In typical Hazelwood fashion, it was an easy read, funny, and had great spice.

I always give novellas a bit more latitude, but this one still acquitted itself fairly well.

I enjoyed the characters, the lodge setting, and the tech/gaming plotline.

I LOVED that the game was also a beloved book.

I don’t generally like miscommunication as plot trope, but this one wasn’t so bad.

My only issue was the lack of tension once they got together. I’m not interested in the 3rd Act Break Up, per se, but what? They’re just going to be HAPPY after they get together? With, like, no angst at all?

I may need to unpack this with my therapist.

Ugh Ali Hazelwood can do no wrong in my book. This story was so fun and perky about 2 video game designers/creators and their rivals to lovers story. The tension is off the charts and the story flows so nicely, they really did a great job with this audiobook.

Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood was a quick, entertaining listen, but ultimately felt too short for my taste. The story moved so fast that it didn’t allow enough time for the characters to fully develop or for the plot to feel fleshed out. It had potential, but left me wanting more. That said, Kelsey Navarro’s narration was excellent, as always, and definitely helped keep me engaged. Overall, it was an enjoyable but somewhat underwhelming listen.

Cute, shortish enemies to lovers trope surrounding the game design world. Fun, quick listen! Would love a full length novel with these characters.

Complain all you want that Ali writes the same book over and over: Adam Driver-looking man hopelessly pining over a small quirky woman for years, she thinks he hates her for no reason because he can’t express himself properly, they have amazing sex, the end.

But you know what? It slaps every single time. This one is no different except for one thing: I wish it was longer.

3.25 stars

This was the first audiobook I’ve ever listened to from start to finish, and Ali Hazelwood didn’t disappoint! I’ve always enjoyed her books, and this one was no exception. I loved the premise and found it fascinating to learn more about the gaming industry. As someone who’s not a gamer, I think that added to my enjoyment—it felt like stepping into a whole new world.

The banter was sharp and well-written, which is no surprise coming from Ali Hazelwood, the queen herself. However, my lower rating is probably because I’m not very used to listening to audiobooks yet. At times, I found the narrator’s voice monotone and lacking expression, which made it harder to stay engaged. I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I’d read the ebook version instead.

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.