4.75⭐️2🌶️

Young adult rom com
High school Mc’s
Gamer group
🏳️‍⚧️ side character rep
Forbidden love

I’ve really come to enjoy Kristie Boyce’s YA rom-coms, and this one was no exception. The covers are always adorable, and the charming, youthful nature of her stories never makes me cringe. Instead, they take me back to my own teenage years with a sense of nostalgia.

This book strikes the perfect balance for a YA rom-com. The maturity level feels just right—age-appropriate yet sweet, with moments of steaminess that never go too far. Boyce handles more serious themes like friendship dynamics, aging grandparents, sibling affection, and adjusting to a new town with great care. I especially appreciated how well the story portrayed the experience of being a non-athletic, slightly eccentric teen just trying to make and keep friends. It felt both relevant and authentic.

The characters really shine, and the side characters are a joy as well! I particularly loved the grandma—she added such a delightful touch to the story. In fact, I’d happily read an entire book about the kids helping senior citizens play D&D. That concept is pure gold!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Childrens/Delecorte Romance for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

4.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. The bond between this group of friends was depicted so well. Logan and Quinns' banter was perfection. Grandma Barbara stole the show with her wit, scheming, and her friends. I look forward to more books from Kristy Boyce.

I loved this so much, Quinn and Logan were so sweet together and I loved the whole will they won’t they. I was really glad that Quinn found a group that accepted her and weren’t awful to her. I wasn’t really sure about her brother to start, I thought he was a little bit of a jerk but I liked him towards the end when he started to show that he does care about Quinn. I will say that the real mvp for this book for me was Quinn’s grandmother, I love when there is a grandparent who runs as a matchmaker. This was really easy to read and even though I know absolutely nothing about dungeons and dragons the parts that involved the game were easy to understand even though I did end up skimming a little bit towards the beginning.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc and Random House Children’s for the opportunity to read and review this book early!

After reading “Dungeons and Drama” last year and really enjoying it, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that “Dating and Dragons” by Kristy Boyce was coming out. If you’re looking for a sweet, geeky young adult romance, this is the one! I thought the romance between Quinn and Logan felt very believable and resonated with my own dating experiences as a teenager. I appreciated the “will they, won’t they” dynamic and was glad there wasn’t an unexpected last-act breakup—just overcoming the issues established earlier in the story.

Overall, I believe this is a much stronger book than Boyce’s debut, which is to be expected. I enjoyed the deeper dive into the D&D campaign, including the engaging back-and-forth among the group. This made the secondary characters feel more real and fleshed out, and I became more invested in their stories. I also loved the family dynamics between Quinn, her grandmother and her brother.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book!

I think I actually related more to the characters in this book compared to the other one. Which probably makes me love it even more. We get a much deeper look at D&D campaigns but it’s not overwhelming. So even if you don’t play, you can still definitely enjoy watching them interact. Our main love interests Quinn and Logan have such cute banter. Definitely giving the whole “forbidden romance trope.” All of the side characters were super lovable. The group chemistry is something I wish I had back in high school. It’s not easy being the new kid but this group opened up to Quinn and took her in. Overall, once again Kristy Boyce had me giggling and kicking my feet even as Quinn was navigating through the problems of her past. This book has a little something for everyone.

Beautifully funny book. It was such a feel good book. The whole time I was grinning and wanting them to finally accept their feelings and be together. It was a very cute and fun read.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Just like the last one, this was honestly so cute it was borderline gross lol I had only liked this author so so in her other series, but for this one, they’ve both been bangers. This truly shows that authors can grow and learn and mature as time goes on. Because now I’m here waiting on pins and needles for a third one to be announced about some couples that were outed in this one lol

Ok so the romance in this one was still cute. I can’t lie I wanted something different than enemies to lovers since that’s what we got in the last one with some fake dating added. But it’s fine. I just wanted some variety. And maybe it was just me, but he seemed extra mean for no reason lol And I say that because he really didn’t have a reason. (I mean he did, but he didn’t lol) But when they finally got it together I didn’t have any complaints. As a matter of fact, he needs to work on his communication, but once the words started coming, listen Logan had no problem telling her everything about her. And I loved that. Especially after what she went through.

The only thing I didn’t care for was the fact that there was no character development. Because Quinn was scared of those idiot ass old players the whole book. I kept hoping she would say something somewhere to one of them. At the very least to laugh in their face. I think I would have even preferred it if the girl apologized because she found out what Quinn was saying was actually true. I think she deserved that kind of growth. No one should have had any power over her in her own book if that makes sense. I’m sorry if it doesn’t, but I was annoyed the whole book over that one part lol

I also didn’t understand why the author decided to end it right there? It was like this huge thing happened and then it was like ok that was enough for them and it was over lol We didn’t get to see how they handled it and we don’t get to see her saying “eff you” to her haters. Idk I just found it so weird that that was the cut off. I just wanted more.

Also, grandma was a hot mess. She knew what she was doing. But I also felt bad for her. That car thing was unnecessary and scary. She was doing too much to try to feel young again. And like I get it, I do. But to do that and with one of your people in there too? That was reckless.

Lastly, can we take a second to appreciate this cover? The more I look at it the more I find more details and I fall for it a little more. The swords, the dice, the dice on her jewelry, the little relics and things from D&D that are on the shelves behind them, just everything. The designer who did this is truly a bad ass.

This is a perfect addition to this series. I really hope there’s more. I have learned so much about D&D from these books and from my teens who play and how to cater to them. Definitely goes to show you can indeed learn something new. Even if its from a YA book.

I absolutely loved this book! It combined so many of my favorite things—D&D, fun characters, angsty pining, (slight) enemies to lovers, goofy shenanigans, and a lovable, feisty grandma! The story is a brilliant blend of heart, humor, and adventure, with just the right amount of romance and chaos to keep you hooked from start to finish.

Whether you’re a seasoned D&D fan or simply someone who enjoys dynamic characters and well-crafted storytelling, this book is a must-read! And while you’re at it, do yourself a favor and pick up Dungeons & Drama by Kristy Boyce—either before or after. You’ll fall head over heels for the imaginative world she’s created and the creative D&D campaigns that unfold alongside the larger story!

Starting off, this book was just as adorable to read as the cover is cute. Throughout reading the entire book, I often found myself smiling and giggling which is always the best feeling to have while reading.

I absolutely fell in love with the D&D group in this campaign. They were over the top and serious while recording their campaign but I loved how every single character had very unique and defined quirks to them. It helps you relate to them so much more. Overall, Grandma won my heart from the first chapter. She was simply fabulous and never afraid to be herself!

The romance is a definite slow burn between Logan and Quinn due to Quinn’s past experience with her old D&D group and her new D&Ds group rule of no dating. I thought to myself that the no dating rule was so silly but then I thought about my years in high school and how many groups were ruined from a break up and now I think this was an amazing portrayal of a high school relationship! If you’re looking for a short, fun, nerdy, and adorable read that will make you smile and giggle then here you go!

I was absolutely captivated by this book! The family dynamics had me hooked from the start, but it was the bond between Quinn and her grandmother that stole the show for me! Their playful scheming and the way her grandmother noticed all the little details brought back a flood of fond memories of my own grandmothers and their delightful quirks. It was like a warm hug wrapped in nostalgia!

Quinn's new friends were a breath of fresh air! This wonderfully diverse group of individuals embraced their true selves without a hint of judgment. Their camaraderie was everything she deserved—an absolute chef’s kiss of friendship!

While I adored the romance, the story was so rich that it could have thrived without it! That’s a true testament to the captivating storyline. I particularly loved the no-dating rule within the friend group—after all, they’re just 16, and it added a fun, lighthearted touch!

And let’s not forget the heartwarming growth in Quinn’s relationship with her brother. His protectiveness was so endearing; it made my heart swell with joy! Overall, this book was a delightful journey, full of laughter, love, and the kind of relationships that leave a lasting impression!

Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce is the second book in the Dungeons and Drama series, and it’s just as sweet, funny, and charming as I hoped it would be! This YA rom-com perfectly blends a love for D&D with the challenges of fitting into new friend groups—and I thought that part was handled so well. The characters felt relatable, especially with the awkwardness and uncertainty of navigating new dynamics.

The story has a lighthearted, sweet vibe with just a touch of steamy (nothing over the top—it’s still YA!), and the humor had me grinning the whole time. I loved how the D&D elements weren’t just a backdrop but a meaningful part of the story that tied the characters together. It’s such a fun and unique setting for a romance!

If you’re a fan of gaming, geeky references, or just a cute YA love story with plenty of laughs, this one’s a win. It’s a solid 4 stars for me, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this series!

I loved Dungeons and Drama and have enjoyed a new YA author. I love to relate to young adult so I loved being in Quinn’s head. Full review to come.

New school, new friends, and possibly a new D&D group if she can find one... the only problem is that the one she finds has one rule: you can't date anyone from the group... and she just happens to have a huge crush on one of the members. Quinn is starting a new high school and is excited to try and join a new D&D game and make new friends. When she meets a cute guy named Logan on her first day things couldn't be better, until she finds out that said cute guy is part of the new D&D group she is invited to join in and he seems determined to keep her out of it. Quinn's new D&D group isn't like a regular one, they live stream all their campaigns and they have only one rule" no dating other group members. Logan and Quinn begin to clash at the group... yet outside of it he seems to be perfectly charmed by her... and she can't seem to figure out his hot and cold attitude. Yet the more time they spend together the more she's beginning to realize why he didn't want her to join the group and just how hard it will be to try and not break the group rules when the guy you're falling for just happens to be the only one completely off limits. This was such a charming and cute YA Romance, I absolutely adored it!! The romance was so cute and the story was just a fun one to read. I've been a huge fan of Kristy Boyce's D&D and Romance series and this one was just perfection. It's absolutely such a sweet read and one I'd highly recommend!! It's a must read!

Release Date: December 31,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Romance for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I've been enjoying YA romances a lot more because they've been shifting to a more nuanced look at coming-of-age. I used to dislike them immensely because they were super immature and the stakes were so low.

This book fit somewhere in between. Mostly, the romance itself felt too quick. It had very strong love-at-first-sight vibes, and they were both so committed and passionate about each other without even really knowing each other. The actual conflict stopping them was weak as well. There was no real reason for them to not be together.

I just didn't find myself very invested in the novel. I didn't like Quinn. She wasn't a relatable character, and she honestly didn't have much going for her. Without the strength in the characters, this book kind of fell apart without much of a plot holding it together.

Of course, there were some cute moments, and overall, the romance was fine. It wasn't a terrible book, but also not one that I will be recommending to everyone.

And I'm out.

Quinn just moved to a city where her grandmother lives. At school, she met a group of people who plays Dungeons and Dragons. One of those people is Logan. Logan is a boy Quinn was attracted to when she first met him. He was very nice to her until she joined their D&D group. The new D&D group has a couple of specific rules. Don’t miss a session and no dating within the group. Quinn didn’t mind since her old friends from her old school abandoned her after she turned down a guy from her old D&D group. However, Logan and Quinn seem to keep getting forced to spend more time with each other and their attraction just keeps getting stronger and stronger…

This made me want to play Dungeons and Dragons and I’ve never played nor had the desire before. This is very cutesy. All of the characters are very relatable and I had so much fun reading it. Once I got into it, I couldn’t stop reading!

"Dating and Dragons" was another adorable book written by Kristy Boyce! As always, I loved the D&D gameplay. It really makes me want to either tune into a stream or play it myself. Quinn & Logan were super cute. I also loved both of their relationships with Quinn's grandmother. I'm really liking this series and look forward to reading the next installment.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

I absolutely LOVEDDDD this book. It’s solidly YA (not the kind that calls it self YA but is really NA) but I just thought it was adorable. I’ve never played D&D myself, but Boyce makes me wish I did. The campaign scenes were so fun that I felt like I was part of the game.

Dating and Dragons by Kristy is a delightful blend of romance and fantasy that’s as enchanting as it is adventurous. With swoon-worthy characters, magical world-building, and witty banter, this story strikes the perfect balance between heart-pounding action and heart-fluttering romance. A must-read for fans of love stories with a fiery twist!

Read if you like: geeky romance, can't be together, will-they-won't-they torture, YA romance, cute sweet romance

If you've read Dungeons and Drama, then you will love Dating and Dragons. If you haven't read either, please go fix that! Though 'Dating' has a similar dynamic as 'Drama', they are absolutely stand-alone novels and you don't have to read one to have read the other.

If you've been looking for a geeky, nerdy, cute romance that will give you the warm fuzzies, this is absolutely perfect. The spice is minimal, the suspense is high, the characters are what I wish I had in a YA romance book as a teen, and I finished wishing Kristy Boyce, all her characters, and I could hang out and play board games and D&D together while eating pizza and talking books.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! I fell in love with Dungeons and Drama and knew I needed to get my hands on this new one from Kristy.

Aghhhhh love this, so cute - does not disappoint after her first book. I’m a huge nerd and live for nerdy books like this and enjoyed the comedic sarcastic parts of this book, namely Grandma Barbara. But Logan and Quinn you could sense really had some chemistry, and I honestly loved the rest of the ensemble D&D group (and Andrew). I wish I had this type and amount of friends at any point in my life (i’m nearly 30 now and these kids are so cool in my eyes).

Was it unnecessarily dramatic? Yes. Was it teenage shit? Yes. But was it so cute? Also yes.

I enjoyed watching Logan and Quinn teeter on the edge of self restraint in their infatuation, but truthfully could not tell you of 16 year olds that would be like them 🤣 the buildup and slow burn of it all is written wonderfully, even at the very end during the argument in the basement before Kashvi clears it up.

The crafty thing was a really cute side quest (har har) that was not explored as much as I thought it would be, and I wish was brought back at the end. Or even another con. They served their plot point but I would’ve liked to see it featured again to make it come more full circle.

Will read anything else from Kristy Boyce now…a woman of my own heart. 💚💙