I received an ARC from NetGalley!

I was a huge fan of this author's previous book, Dungeons and Drama, so I was eager to read her latest release. It had a lot of the same elements that I liked in the first book – unique characters, interesting family dynamics, and a healthy dose of nerdiness. I really enjoyed it – however, the romance this time was just too cheesy for me, and it kept me from enjoying it at times. Comparing the two books, it might be an uphill battle since I love musical theater and fake dating tropes, which Dungeons and Drama had in spades. This book, though, was still very charming and I continued to enjoy the author's voice. It feels very authentically YA, which I really appreciate.

Roll for charisma, because this book is bringing its A-game with quirky charm and D&D shenanigans! From the author of Dungeons and Drama takes us on an adventure into high school halls, livestreamed campaigns, and the dangerous terrain of teenage romance. Quinn Norton is the new girl in town, hoping that dice rolls and dungeon crawls will unlock friendship (and maybe even love?). What she doesn’t anticipate is the one-two punch of a no-dating rule and Logan Weber—a guy who’s as charming as he is annoying.

First off, the setup is golden. A D&D group with livestreams, strict rules, and larger-than-life personalities? Sign me up! The in-game scenes are immersive and hilarious, with enough nerdy references to delight any dice-slinger. It’s like watching your favorite game night unfold—complete with natural 20s, critical fails, and party dynamics that are just as chaotic as you'd hope.

Now, about Logan. Imagine rolling a d20 and hitting every emotional modifier. Logan can be utterly swoon-worthy one moment and leave you wanting to yeet him out of the campaign the next. The banter between him and Quinn is spicy and fun, but sometimes it’s like rolling a charisma check with a +0—flirting that doesn’t quite land.

The plot’s “no dating group members” rule feels a bit like a house rule you tolerate but don’t entirely agree with, mainly because it’s there for plot convenience. And while the supporting cast is solid, they could have used more time in the spotlight to really level up.

This book won’t be everyone’s critical hit, but it’s a fun read for gamers, romantics, and anyone who’s ever wondered if their Dungeon Master was trying to set them up. Roll for initiative and give this quirky romance a shot—you just might find it’s the campaign you didn’t know you needed. 🎲

I picked up Dungeons and Drama on a total whim last year and absolutely fell in love. The combination of two delightfully dorky hobbies - theater and D&D - was a charming idea that had me giggling and smiling the whole way through.

I was really excited for this sequel, and it was...fine? Kristy Boyce continues the endearing nerdiness that made me fall in love so much with the first installment, but it felt a bit bogged down by a level of angst that just didn't exist in that first one. Obviously, there's going to be drama in a high school story, but for some reason it didn't land well for me. Combined with the very insta-love relationship at the center, Dating and Dragons felt a little lackluster compared to its predecessor.

I still thought this was quite cute and fun, however, especially as a fan of D&D! This is a perfectly light and fluffy palette cleanser to pick up between epic fantasy doorstoppers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Romance for providing me with this ARC.

Despite mostly avoiding YA novels at this point in my life, Dungeons and Drama was one of the most enjoyable books I read this year—so I simply had to read the next book in the series, Dating and Dragons. Though I liked Dating and Dragons, I found that I didn’t quite care for this second entry in the series as much as its predecessor. Despite the novel and its romance being cute, I found I preferred the cozier tone of the first novel more.

However, I really liked that Dating and Dragons showcases much more about Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). Despite being named Dungeons and Drama, the previous book really glossed over all of the “dungeons” part and there was very little detail about the actual game. So I was happy to see that Dating and Dragons takes the time to show a lot more about the game, such as how characters and campaigns are created and the forethought that goes into all of it. The personal experience of the author, Kristy Boyce, at D&D was really on display here and made the novel feel authentic.

“The dynamics between people in a D&D group are as important as the character builds or the campaign itself. Maybe even more important. It's hard to find a group that gets along well and has chemistry—adding a new person could totally ruin the energy.”*

I also think it was great that the novel highlighted the different approaches to playing D&D, with some players taking it a lot more seriously than others. I could see that returning readers from Dungeons and Dramas or readers new to the series might be a little surprised to see all of this new detail about the game. Those reading Dating and Dragons simply for the romance and YA aspects may be a bit bored in these sections.

Personally I loved the added focus on D&D, but I wasn’t as crazy about the romance part of the novel. Logan and Quinn, the male and female leads respectively, had less chemistry than Riley and Nathan from Dungeons and Drama. What made that novel’s romance particularly charming was that these two seemingly opposite characters learned to appreciate the talents and interests of the other and found out that they had more in common then they ever thought was possible. In Dating and Dragons, Quinn and Logan already had tons in common, so it was really easy for them to find things to talk about and for them to relate to one another.

“Each time we see each other, the risks grow bigger. There's so much at stake. For the D&D group, yes, but for me personally too….what if I pursue things with Logan and it all ends up imploding? If we started anything in earnest and it fell apart, it would decimate my heart. The way I feel about him, the level of trust I have in him already, it's beyond anything I've felt before. I don't know if I can open myself up to the possibility of that pain.”

Unfortunately, this ease between the two made the anti-dating rule for their D&D group seem even more contrived. At the beginning of the novel, the dating rule was somewhat understandable, as Quinn was new to the group and these high schoolers were trying to keep it professional for their livestream. However, at the time Quinn joins the group and their new campaign, the kids only have about 30 viewers for said stream…so it seems a little over the top that they can’t possibly date each other. And as Quinn and Logan are drawn to each other from the very first moment they meet and only grow closer as time goes on, it gets very redundant to hear them constantly lamenting that they couldn’t possibly date each other due to the group’s rule. It feels unnecessarily dramatic, especially when the potential for enough drama is already present.

I know it’s very hard to have conversations about feelings, especially for teenagers, but it seemed a little obvious that there needed to be a discussion with the new friends, especially considering Quinn’s contentious past with her old D&D group at her old school and the immediate attraction between Quinn and Logan. I honestly wish the focus had been on Quinn’s past trauma instead of the dating rule as the reason for why she and Logan couldn’t date. I think that would have felt more sincere and less forced.

“‘You can't control how they'll react.’
‘if it comes to that, then I'll quit.’
‘What?’ I straighten so quickly the room spins. ‘You can't do that, D&D is your favorite thing in the world.’
His hands come to my waist to steady me, ‘Not anymore, Quinn.’”

As a whole, I think Dating and Dragons is less whimsical and more realistic than Dungeons and Drama, but somehow, at the same time, it still felt shallower. I didn’t feel as connected to the characters—it didn’t really feel like I had the time to get to know them. For instance, Logan doesn’t have much going on—he lives on a farm with a cute baby cow, has a part-time job at an ice cream shop, and writes his own D&D campaigns in secret. This doesn’t offer a whole lot of depth to the character. The things he says and does to Quinn also seem way above the level of a typical high schooler and some suspension of disbelief is required.

Though Dating and Dragons is less of a wholesome celebration and discovery of geeky things and the sense of community it can provide, it highlights some of the recognizable problems that arise within the gaming community, like sexism, slut-shaming, jealousy, gaslighting, and more. It highlights that things can go horribly wrong even in a formerly trusted group of friends. I feel like these are great topics to bring attention to, especially for young readers, but that it also makes Dating and Dragons less of a light and fluffy read.

Despite it being a little more serious than Dungeons and Drama, I still really enjoyed every minute of Dating and Dragons. Other standouts of the novel include queer representation (the Dungeon Master of Quinn’s new group using they/them pronouns) and Quinn’s hilarious grandmother. I found myself laughing aloud at the hijinks of Quinn’s grandmother, who is a bit of a hellraiser, and hope that one day I have a quarter of her audacity. Regardless of how well this novel in the series worked for me personally, I really love seeing this type of representation—of both D&D and geek culture as a whole—featured in mainstream novels. Readers who haven't read the first book in the series will be able to enjoy it as a standalone, which makes it very accessible. I really hope the author continues to write more works in this series and will definitely pick them up in the future.

*All quotes taken from an ARC and subject to change at time of publication.

I really enjoyed Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce, so as as soon as I saw that she was coming out with a new YA romance, I jumped at the opportunity to read an arc. And, well she did not disappoint!

After moving to a new high school, Quinn is desperate for friends. So when she's invited to join a D&D group, she didn't need a lot of convincing. This group, though, is very serious about their D&D-they livestream and have very strict rules, including no dating fellow members. When sparks fly with Logan, an irritating but cute fellow member, she'll need to figure out were her loyalties (and heart) lies.

This was such a cute, swoony YA read! As we all know, being the new kid in school is not easy. Quinn was lucky to have met such a good group of friends. They welcomed her with open arms, so she wanted to abide the group's rule-especially after what happened to her last D&D group. Logan is so irresistible though! Lol He was a bit hot-and-cold though (darn. the no-dating rule!) Anyway, I'm not a D&D player, but you don't have to be in order to appreciate this aspect of the book.

> Nerd/geek culture
> Forbidden romance
> Supportive friends

This book is absolutely perfect! I loved everything about it—the characters, the setting, the backstories, the relationships, the quirky gameplay, and of course, the grandma. I can't wait to share it with my students; I know they’ll love it. Even though I didn’t know much about Dungeons and Dragons, this book has inspired me to start a club for them. It’s a must-have for our library and a definite contender for our book club’s pick of the month!

"Dating and Dragons" is a cute D&D-themed romance by Kristy Boyce that blends geeky fun with heartfelt storytelling. It follows the story of Quinn who is starting at a new high school halfway through her junior year. Hoping to make some friends, she joins a D&D group. The story is filled with humor, charm, and a love for the role-playing game. Fans of D&D will appreciate the clever nods to campaigns, while romance enthusiasts will adore the slow burn.

I loved Dating and Dragons just as much as the first book, Dungeons and Drama! Quinn’s story of starting fresh at a new school really pulled me in, especially her choice to jump into a D&D campaign to make friends. Her whole vibe was amazing—she’s bold, a little awkward in the best way, and unapologetically herself. The way she layers on her jewelry (even throwing in the hilarious “add one more piece before you leave” philosophy) is so relatable. I loved her energy!

Now, let’s talk about Logan Weber. He’s that perfect mix of charming and irritating—exactly the kind of character you can’t stop thinking about. The back-and-forth between him and Quinn was addictive, with their banter and bickering bringing so much humor and tension to the story. Their chemistry built so naturally, and I was rooting for them from the first snarky exchange.

The friend group in this book was fantastic, too. The dynamics between them all felt so real, and I couldn’t get enough of their scenes together. Even the side characters had so much personality—Quinn’s grandma, for example, was pure gold. She had me laughing out loud with her antics and one-liners, and honestly, I hope I’m half that cool someday!

I flew through this book in one sitting. Between the laugh-out-loud moments, the adorable romance, and all the heartwarming friendships, it was impossible to put down. If you love YA romance with a geeky twist, this book is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced reader’s copy. All opinions are my own.

This sweet YA romance brings all the charm of Dungeons and Drama and is so heartwarming! I wish I had a story like this when I was in high school. Kristy really brings the big and little issues of teenage years to the forefront in this story.

Quinn is getting a fresh start, it may be the mortifying ordeal of starting at a new school mid year, but it can’t get any worse than losing her best friend and D&D group. She quickly meets a new group, thanks to her quirky Grandma, and finds herself sitting across the D&D table from Logan. But a strict no dating rule in the group puts him off limits, but the chemistry just can’t be stopped. Will history repeat itself or will Quinn find the love, friendship and acceptance she never got?

This book had me grinning the whole time. The characters are sweet, quirky, and funny. The D&D aspect made my nerdy heart so happy, and I loved that they did a live streamed game. Quinn dealt with the typical teen issues of friendship and boy drama but also deeper family dynamics. It was just so perfectly done.

I highly recommend this one for lovers of YA romance, fans of books like Twelfth Knight, and anyone looking for heartwarming and light read! Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

“It sounds to me like you might be falling for him”

Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This book is just the sweetest!! I absolutely loved Dungeons and Drama, so when I saw that this one was coming out I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! If you are a reader of YA, then this is a must read!

After leaving a difficult friend situation at her old school Quinn is desperate for new connections. On her first day she meets an eclectic group of classmates who are part of an intense D&D group. As a huge fan of D&D, Quinn is all in and anxious to be accepted so when she learns that the group’s number one rule is that there can be no dating between members she quickly agrees despite the sparks she feels for a cute but off-limits teammate.

Dating and Dragons is full of nerdy cuteness overload! All of the characters are phenomenally written but my favorite has to be Kashvi. She is the best kind of best friend.

This was just as adorable as the first! I do not typically consume YA media but I had such a fun time reading the first book I absolutely had to pick up the second. The chapters are short and it is so easy to get sucked into the story and just fly through this book. The characters have flaws that aren't over the top and they feel like real people their age. I highly recommend.

This was an adorable book! I loved the storyline and the connection between the players. It felt a little more YA than the first with all the friend drama from her first D&D group but I enjoyed it all. As someone who is around a lot of D&D (friends play in my house) this story was very easy to follow. I think someone with no D&D might not enjoy the story as much but just a thought. I loved it and I appreciate the ARC! Also the Grandma is just perfection!

Dating and Dragons follows Quinn, a girl looking for new friends after moving to a new high school in the middle of the school year. She gets invited to a D&D group, but it’s a bit different than your average party of adventurers. This group livestreams all of their sessions and they have some group rules she must adhere to if she wants to join—including a strict policy prohibiting dating fellow party members. This rule becomes increasing harder to follow when she starts hitting it off with Logan, the boy sitting directly across from her in every D&D session.
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I was a big fan of Dungeons and Drama, so it should be no surprise that I am also a big fan of this book!! This is another cute high school romance story. Quinn and Logan were fun MCs. The forbidden romance aspect added some interesting tension to their whole relationship. I loved the glimpses into the campaign’s story and seeing the group actually play D&D. I also loved the dynamic of the friend group. I especially liked the bond that formed between Quinn and Kashvi. Quinn and Kashvi’s dice jewelry business totally reminded me of my friends and I trying to sell our creations in middle and high school (and I would 100% buy their jewelry if I could). This is a standalone story, so you can jump straight into this book without reading Dungeons and Drama!
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Thank you Random House Children’s for providing this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you! Downloaded and full review will be posted in January on scheduled tour date with TBR and beyond Tours!

I was so excited to pick up Dating and Dragons because I loved Dungeons and Drama so much. I enjoyed this one for its fast pace and message about friendship. When I started the book, I was a little scared it was going to have too much of an insta love, but the romance ended up being well done and cute with the two MCs having a lot of moments that I enjoyed. I didn’t swoon as much as I hoped though. It might have been because it felt a little more juvenile to me which is no problem at all because this is YA. I do hope Kristy Boyce continues with her Dungeons and Dragons series because the idea is so fun!!

Super cute YA romance surrounding the very popular game of D&D. I read the first book in this series and thought it was such an adorable and enjoyable read. This book I think was better. I loved the main characters Logan and Quinn. I actually liked the little bit of tension between them in the beginning with Logan not wanting Quinn to join their D&D group and Quinn doing it anyway. She has a resilience and isn’t gonna let people tell her what to do not after the disaster of her last party. The romance was cute and sweet and I liked that the group had the no dating rule which opened the door for a semi secret romance which I thought was a cute trope for this story. Would definitely read more books in this series!

Dating and Dragons 🐉

By Kristy Boyce

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I adored this book. It’s a sweet, slow burn YA romance. Barbara is a full agent of chaos & she had me giggling with her meddling. This book captured being a teen so well, full of angst & feelings & simply the joy of making new friends while also being apprehensive. Quinn is quirky & cute & I loved how she never changed who she was to fit in. Logan is a sweet boy, there’s nothing else to say. The pining & angst & longing was done well. Also the sibling dynamic between teens was captured so well!! Loved the friend group, and how they all could just be themselves without worrying.

Thank you NetGalley & Random House Children’s for an e- Arc in return for an honest opinion

#netgalley #randomhousechildrensbooks #arcreader #arcreview #datinganddragons #kristyboyce

There have been a lot of novels about gaming, usually a variation on Dungeons and dragons (D&D). Sometimes the novels make the campaign important to the story. Other times is just runs parallel. In this novel, it was more about how people interacted with each other, though the campaign was interesting, it wasn’t as important to the story, as the main characters were.


This was a sweet little romance about Quinn, who loves playing D&D, and is still stinging from the last group she was in, where she dated one of the other players and decided she would rather be friends, and the whole group turned on her.


So, of course, she doesn’t want this to happen with her new group. And tries to not date the guy she is falling for.
It is a very quick, smooth read, and has a lot of humor. I enjoyed the campaigns discussed, as well as the interactions with the side characters. Althoug the author has written an earlier book about two people who meet over gaming, that is the only similarity, and this has nothing to do with this one.


Very enjoyable. Drew me in, and wouldn’t let me go.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 4th of February 2025.

When Quinn's family moves in the middle of the school year, she's desperate to find a place she can belong. Enter a local Dungeons & Dragons group who plays on the next level. Not only do they live stream their games but they have a strict rule: no dating within the group.

Quinn is thrilled to be a part of a D&D group again but struggles from the fallout with her previous group, who aren't ready to let her move on. To complicate things, she develops feelings for Logan, a fellow group member who is cute and charming... and absolutely off-limits.

Thoughts:
Even if you've next played D&D, this story will charm you with its sweet romance, quirky characters, and focus on friendship. While Quinn and Logan's romance feels a little like insta-love when they finally confront their feelings, it honestly feels appropriate for teenagers.

Just like Kristy Boyce's first novel, Dungeons and Drama, I absolutely fell in love with these characters. This was such a cute YA romance because it gave my former teenage self exactly what she would have wanted. The more I read about D&D, the more I wish I had been into that in high school!!

The only downside I came across while reading this book was it felt very instant love to me which is definitely not one of my favorite tropes because it feels unrealistic. But the slow burn after the instant love was 🔥 so I can't really complain all that much.

Thank you @netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!