These books are such good fun! Sweet little romances with fun characters and adorable moments that I will never tire of.

This was so, so cute. I loved the first book (they're standalones though, so don't worry!) and this one was just so much more. Quinn and her family have just moved to a new town, leaving her to start at a new school in the middle of the year. Leaving her not so great friends behind was bittersweet, as she misses the D&D group dynamics.

When she meets new friends on her first day, her grandma asks a boy to take their photo, and that's now she meets Logan. She becomes friends with Kashvi and gets introduced to their D&D group, and she starts making friends with all of them, but still worries about her old friends. They Livestream their games, so it's a bit different, but overall she's settling in well. As she hangs out with them, she finally starts to feel like she belongs.

With a confrontation at a convention that leads to Quinn panicking, she and Logan realize that they can't fight the draw between the two of them anymore. Navigating that with their group is another adventure altogether though!

4.5 rounded down to 4

Quinn has just moved to a new town and is nervous about making new friends. But almost immediately, she meets a group who plays D&D every Saturday who happily welcomes her into their party. They livestream their sessions and have one important rule: no dating within the party. Can she keep her feelings for Logan under wraps?

Read if you like:
-D&D
-Grandmothers
-Forbidden Crush
-Annoying Younger Brothers who might not be the Worst After All
-Teenage Drama

This book felt like a love letter to my awkward teen years. It had it all. The sporty brother who fit in better than me. The crush on a cinnamon roll guy. The world's best Grandma. And a group of friends who like to get down and nerdy. I ate it up for the nostalgia alone. This was just a fun and wholesome read. Now, I have to go back and read her other book!

Sometimes I read a YA book and I think "I am way too old for this". But sometimes, that YA book has the power to teleport me back in time and make me feel like a giddy teenager again. Kristy Boyce has mastered the art of the latter.

The first book I read from her, Dungeons and Drama, is not only one of my favorite books of the year, but one of my favorite reading experiences of all time. I can't put into words how much that book took me back to my own high school experience. I will admit that Dating and Dragons didn't hit quite the same as Dungeons and Drama for me, however it still gave me that young love butterflies feeling that I want from a YA romance without feeling aggravatingly immature.

This book is VERY heavy on the D&D elements (that sounds obvious from the name of the book, but if you read the first one, you know there was an emphasis on it, but it didn't so much go into detail about the campaign itself), and a decent portion of this book is spent understanding the dynamic of this group of players/friends, their campaign, etc. This was very fun for me as I've never really read anything like that, however I did get a bit bored reading about those elements at points. I never really cared enough about their campaign storyline to want to interrupt the romance/main plotline with details about that. However, it was a nice change of pace from the other books I've been reading lately, so for that I'm not mad. I think some people may really enjoy reading that content as well, so that's definitely not a definitive negative--just a matter of personal preference.

The romance in here was super cute--it definitely felt very young, but in an intentional way if that makes sense. I really liked our FMC and grew to love our MMC as well. However, I didn't really understand the "no dating" rule, which kind of felt like a contrived issue just to drag things out. It didn't ruin the book for me by any means, but it did feel like a non-issue blown into a way bigger issue.

Overall, so happy to have read it and really enjoyed it, but it wasn't a total homerun for me. 3.75 stars rounded up 💜

Thank you so much to Random House Children's | Delacorte Romance for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I feel like the most special girl in the world to have been able to read/review it early.

DATING AND DRAGONS is a teen drama for the nerds who found their people at the library, comic shop, or online discord servers playing DnD. The story is plot-light focusing on the emotional ties between Quinn and her friends, family, and love interest.

Quinn's life is uprooted when her family moves to be near her Grandmother, but it also presents the opportunity to start over with a new friend group. But just like a DnD campaign, there is a new map/school to navigate, party/friends to bond with, and dragons/first loves to face head on (or run from).

The DnD nerd friendships are goals for anyone regardless of age. The whole group has such a welcoming, outgoing, and supportive vibe you can't help but love them all.

Logan is a dream character. He is a model "man written by a woman". You can tell he's well versed in fantasy prose with how he pines after Quinn. His highest stat in game and irl is definitely charisma.

Highly recommend DATING AND DRAGONS for everyone with experience looking for a place to belong. For readers that find joy in fantasy escapes but love a bit of company along the way. And for adult readers, this will be a hit of noatalgia reliving the drama and emotionality of being a teenager.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Romance for the advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc of this YA-Romance.

I really enjoyed this book. We start off with Quinn, who is transferring to a new school and finding new friends who enjoy the game Dungeons and Dragons as much as she does. The only thing is, their group is a little more intense as they live stream their games, and they have strict rules to be in the group. The main rule is no dating within the group, and Quinn finds herself in a deja vu situation.

It definitely is YA, and while cute in many aspects, it definitely has that insta-love immature aspect to it, which again hits the mark for the audience. I thought all of the characters had charm, especially grandma! The drama that unfolds throughout the book brings me back to days of lesser worries and adds well to the story. Apparently, there is a book the author did before this one called Dungeons and Drama, and I am definitely interested in picking it up as well.

This book is really adorable! I adore how, in addition to the romance and gaming, the story explores friendships and significant real-life issues. It's easy to fall in love with the characters because they are so relatable. The story is also very charming and enjoyable. This is for you if you enjoy heartfelt and humorous YA romances. I heartily endorse it!

I was so excited to get an advance copy of Dating and Dragons. I adored Dungeons and Drama, so I was very excited to see Kristy Boyce was writing another.

This book is younger YA but that should not turn you off from picking it up. Our main character joins a D&D group at her new school that has a strict no dating policy between the players. Which is a problem when our FMC realizes the cute boy from school is also apart of the group.

Between the pining over each other, the drama from our FMCs first D&D group, and our FMC’s grandma…the book really keeps you on your toes. This overall is a fun, light hearted and sweet book about falling in love, making friends and dealing with life changes.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This was a really cute slow burn YA read centralized a lot on Dungeons and Dragons; I personally have never played D&D and don't know much about it but this book really gave me enough to figure out what it's all about. The gameplay with them was great and I was slightly invested in it, their friend groups is amazing and so supportive, I felt for Quinn and what she went through with her old group; her reactions were completely justified. The cooky grandma was slightly annoying at first but she grew on me when she kept calling Logan to help and it brough Quinn and he together. Those two were great together, I love how they put everything in the open with each other and were both suffering together and just honest how they felt and what they wanted to do, those were probably my favorite parts of the book; its refreshing and a great change to have that open communication. The one thing I didn't really care for was Kashvi and Andrew, I saw it coming but was hoping it wouldn't happen, just felt off to me and kind of cliche honestly. But otherwise the book was great and I'd definitely recommend it, it was fun, sweet, supportive, and just over all entertaining.

This is the second book I’ve read this year involving D&D and I cannot get enough of it! There is something so fun about watching the gameplay and seeing how the character’s real life and problems can relate and influence how the game is played.

I really liked our main character, Quinn. She was very relatable and real. Her interactions with all the characters were interesting and genuine. Her feelings for Logan were very well-written and brought me back to my high school days.

While the banter could be fun and cute, sometimes the dialogue was inconsistent in tone and felt unnatural and childish. I also understand the insta-love, but needed more of a reason for why Logan and Quinn should be together. What kept them coming back to each other?

Overall, this was a cute and quick read. I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for more D&D romances.

YA romance, forbidden romance, meddling grandmother, mutual pinning, no third act breakup, found family, D&D campaign

I LOVE Kristy Boyce. If she writes it I'm reading it. I screamed (internally) when I got the notification that I had been approved for an early read of this! I loved Dungeons and Drama, so I was so excited and a little nervous that it wouldn't live up to my expectations for it, but I had absolutely no reason to be anxious! Dating and Dragons blew every expectation I had out of the water and did so much better!

Quinn was such an amazing main character. After going through what she did at her old school, being alienated by the people she thought were her friends, she was still able to open herself up to a new friend group and play D&D again. That takes some serious bravery for anyone regardless of how old you are. Her anxieties of breaking up the friend group because of her feelings for Logan and doing something that would make her new friends dislike her is such a real fear. Kristy giving her characters such real, human struggles will forever be my favorite thing about her books.

Also, Logan being mean to Quinn because he likes her is such a teenage thing to do and I was laughing. I saw right through it.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House, and Delacorte Romance for an early read of this book. All thoughts are my own, I do not accept money for reviews.

I adored this YA read! Centered around the popular role-playing game “Dungeons and Dragons”, this sweet romance gave full fledged characters and outstanding chemistry between the high school love interests, but also the friendships the main character cultivated in her new town. And granny??? We love a sassy, loving grandma! A perfect little read that made my heart so happy ❤️

I loved "Dungeon and Drama" I read it twice this year! This one was great as great. I absolutely adored this. Boyce has done it again, another five star read. The banter is hilarious. I cannot get enough of Quinn's Grandma.
I don't know how, she writes teenagers so well. I really hope she continues this lineup because it would became an instant auto buy!

Thank you to Netgalley, Delacorte Press and Random House Children for the e-Arc of Dating and Dungeons by Kristy Boyce for exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! This book was a YA romance about a D&D group. The main character Quinn was very cute and fun to read form her perspective. Logan was adorable and this book was generally just a light, fun read. I really liked the D&D elements of this novel, I got lost when they were doing the campaign and it gave a very nostalgic vibe. Very nicely done.

*Thank you to Delacorte and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I'd argue that there was almost too much D&D in this one?? Bizarre coming from me. I loved the livestreaming angle, especially as a Critical Role fan. I just wanted to see more of Quinn and Logan falling for each other. But that being said, it was still super cute! I liked how tight-knit their gaming group became and how Kristy Boyce focused on Quinn's family. Her grandma easily steals the show and made me want to learn how to play pickleball. This is such a cute and sweet YA for gamers and normies alike.

Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce is a wonderfully wholesome story that captures the real struggles many young teen girls face. Such as first crushes, bullying, and the complexities of friendship.

Quinn's journey is heartfelt and relatable as she navigates the challenges of starting over in a new town and school. The way the D&D group becomes a safe space for her to find acceptance and build meaningful friendships adds a charming touch. This book beautifully balances light-hearted moments with important themes, making it a delightful read for anyone looking for a story about growth, belonging, and young love.

My favorite character has to be Quinn's grandmother, Barbara. Every time she appeared, I knew I was in for a good laugh with her witty remarks and quirky antics. Barbara's vibrant personality brought so much charm to the story, and I loved how she always knew how to lighten the mood. Of course, leave it to Grandma to step in as the ultimate matchmaker! Her playful meddling made the romantic moments even sweeter, and her presence added warmth and humor throughout the book.

This is definitely a great youth read

Book Name: Dating and Dragons
Author: Kristy L. Boyce

ARC
Thank you to Random House Children- Delacorte Romance and Netgalley for an ARC

Stars: 5
Spice : 0 (YA)

Anthology Style Series
Fast Paced
FMC POV
Contemporary YA Romance

- Thoughts.
- So much going on
- Eccentric FMC
- Crazy Beloved Grandma
- can't fight this feeling ANYMORE
- No Dating Rule
- some of the MMC’s lines feel very intense for a High Schooler… wish this was a college romance because of these lines
- The dynamics of the friend group were believable and fun
- Finding your people themes

<b>3.25 — 3.5 ★</b>
⊱ <i>young adult romance
⤿ arc review</i>
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖

: ̗̀➛ <b><u>i. the plot</b></u>

<i>quinn has just transferred to a new high school and is really eager to make some friends. she decides to join a dungeons & dragons group that not only streams their sessions online but also has some strict rules, including a no-dating policy among players. however, things get complicated when she finds herself attracted to a another player — logan weber, the cute charming guy she met of her first day. on top of that, some former friends from a previous campaign begin causing chaos. now, quinn has to navigate her feelings and decide where her true loyalties lie, both in the game and in her heart.</i>

<b>my thoughts</b> .𖥔 ݁ ˖ </b>┆ i’m gonna start with what’s “negative”. my main (and only) issue with this book is that there was a little too much happening for its length, which took away from us being able to see quinn and logan’s relationship grow. other than that i loved the plot, i just wish we had a it wasn’t as overly packed with plot lines.

· · ─── ·𖥸· ─── · ·

: ̗̀➛ <b><u>ii. characters</b></u>

⟢ <b>quinn</b> i really like her character, but there’s one issue: sometimes she seems a bit dull. i think it’s mainly because she lacks a lot of depth.

⟢ <b>logan</b> excuse me who gave him the right to be so perfect? he had no right. i was giggling and kicking my feet at everything this man said. no but in all seriousness i love him and his love for quinn is adorable

⟢ <b>kashvi, marc, sloane and sanjiv</b> i loved them all, just wasn’t as interested in them as the other characters. i loved the dynamic between quinn and the d&d group and the found family aspect

a little moment for paige. paige when i catch you paige. you better be sleeping with one eye open at night

· · ─── ·𖥸· ─── · ·

: ̗̀➛ <b><u>iii. the romance</b></u>
— <b>minor spoilers in quotes!</b>

⊹ <i>“what could he possibly say other than you’re gorgeous?”

⊹ “you’re addicting, quinn. i talk to you for a minute, and it makes me want to talk for an hour. i touch you for a second . . .” “and i’m going to want more.”

⊹ “then i’d have pressed you against that door and kissed you until the sun went down and i was your only source of heat.”

⊹ “i love her, and if you say she has to leave, then i’m leaving with her.”</i>

the romance had me smiling from ear to ear. their scenes together were the cutest, just one thing i didn’t love was the instant attraction they had for each other but that’s just a personal thing and you could still tell they genuinely loved each other

· · ─── ·𖥸· ─── · ·

<b>bottom line</b> if you’re in search of a cute young adult romance then i’d definitely recommend this book

dating and dragons - Arc Review

i absolutely loved Boyce’s first D&D themed read, and this one is no different. Quinn quickly became another soul character for me, i see so much of myself in her. as an avid D&D player and a lover of the color green, this series has completely stolen my heart. you absolutely do not need to read the first book in order to read this one, but you definitely should because it’s just as good - you also don’t need to have an understanding of D&D to enjoy or know what’s going on. Quinn’s quirky grandmother made me giggle often, and i loved the dynamic between the characters in Quinn’s friend group. i love reading YA for so many reasons, but the way they heal things that young haley needed ( and often still do ) is a big reason. Boyce uses so much wisdom to deal with the emotional fallout of a friendship breakup that felt like balm to my soul. i’m genuinely hoping that Boyce comes out with another D&D themed novel so that i can continue to combine two of my favorite hobbies together 💗

tropes 🎲
- YA romance
- found family
- enemies x lovers
- forbidden romance
- diverse characters

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5

Kristy Boyce writes the most adorable young adult romances out there. I was excited to read this book following Dungeons and Drama, and Dating and Dragons was even better. Boyce does such a great job creating groups of characters that feel very real and relatable.

The romance in this was straightforward, cute and the best kind of fluffy. Teenage me would have loved this book and its nerdy protagonists Quinn and Logan.

I hope more D&D-centric books are to come from Boyce because they’re simply so cute and make such fun reads.