This YA Romance is so sweet and brought me right back to high school.

I was a big fan of Dungeons and Drama, and was a bit surprised to find that this one didn't pick up at the same school with the same group of friends, but I do appreciate that these are full stand-alone books.

I really enjoyed the story, and as a bookseller who is always looking for age-appropriate YA romance books to recommend to customers, I will definitely be sharing this title with readers.

This book was so cute!! I really enjoyed it. It was a quick and easy read and avoided the worst YA pitfall of whiny narration — I found the characters both realistic and rootable. For some reason, I expected this to be more of a sequel to Dungeons and Drama (it wasn’t) but despite the similar settings it felt like a whole new story.

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I know they say don't judge a book by its cover but honestly the cover is what made me want to read this story! It was such a fun cute read loved the characters and the setting will def be on the lookout for future books by Kristy Boyce!

This was such a fun and refreshing YA rom-com! I decided to check it out from my library because I listened to Dungeons and Drama on audio as well and wanted to do the same for this book. Kristy found the perfect narrator and she really found a way to bring Quinn and Logan to life!

I've never played D&D before but I have had friends that have! These books have made me want to look into it and watch some live streams! I loved this book and I can't wait to read more from Kristy Boyce!

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thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. all thoughts are my own.

This sequel to Dungeons and Drama was quite adorable with a refreshing and lighthearted cozy feel. With so many young adult novels written and published that feel like they aren't really aimed at teens, this book got it right. Kristy Boyce nails the emotions of teens down pat. I love reading books about teens who aren't off saving the world, with everything depending on them and their ability to throw down. Sometimes I just want to read about teens who are learning to work through their emotions and first love. This book is sweet and endearing. My one, very small, gripe with it would be that I really enjoyed the D&D included in the first book and it didn't feel like there was quite as much here, but it is a minor gripe.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc.

Dating and Dragons was one of my most anticipated YA reads for this year. I really enjoyed it, and it certainly has delivered on what I was hoping for from it as a great combination of coming of age and Dungeons and Dragons. Quinn is just trying to adjust to a new school, especially as someone moving mid-year, and she’s lucky in that she connects with a friend group right away thanks to her grandmother’s embarrassing antics. I particularly liked that we got to read a lot about the game play. I’ve only ever played DND once, so it was interesting to see how a more put together campaign could run, and the kinds of things that can happen in it.

My only note is that at times, what Logan says felt like something that would be in an adult romance book. Are there teens out there that could be like that? Maybe? I don’t really know, but I had to do double takes to make sure it was him as himself and not him in his game character. I’m not sure if maybe this was originally designed as an adult novel and then reworked, but it’s just something that stood out to me.

Dating and Dragons is a super sweet and cute YA contemporary story with a slow burn romance and a love for D&D. The last aspect is a big part of this book, as the story is set around this fictional D&D channel the friend group has that live streams their game. It’s a fun story that anyone who’s into board games and/or TTRPGs will relate to and enjoy.

The characters are honestly what made this book for me. While the setting was fun to read about, it was Quinn, Logan and their group of friends that made me really enjoy it. The relationships are written so well, especially the female and non-binary ones, that I wanted to join their game. I honestly came to care more for the friendships than the romance. It was just a bit too slow burn for me, and the pay off at the end wasn’t that rewarding as a result.

Dating and Dragons is one of those YA books where the story can work no matter the age, because it’s not anchored in the characters being of high school age. Something that makes it enjoyable for people that aren't in that age group anymore.

I wanted to like this one as much as Dungeons and Drama, but, unfortunately, it just didn't hit quite the same. Which I don't actually think is the book's fault. I think it's just personal preference.

I adored the fake dating and enemies to lovers tropes in Dungeons and Drama and the mix of hobbies/interests that I also have: D&D and theatre! Dating and Dragons was more of a "love at first sight" kind of story, which just wasn't as interesting to me. Yes, the D&D table has a "no dating other players rule" which is where the main conflict comes in, but I still didn't find myself overly invested in Quinn and Logan's relationship.

Things I did love though:
-Quinn's relationship with her grandmother (and just her grandmother in general was a delight)
-The ex-friends and new friends plot lines
-The different sibling dynamics
-The representation of a more "serious" D&D table (a nice contrast to the type of table showed in Boyce's other book)
-A character who uses they/them pronouns!

If you liked Dungoens and Drama, like D&D, and/or like cute contemporary, YA romance give this one a try! It might very well be for you! It just wasn't perfect for me and that's okay!

Dating and Dragons is a wonderful romantic comedy that blends the enchantment of Dungeons and Dragons with the story of unspoken feelings. The story is full of heart, humor, and tabletop adventure.

While the story follows a group of besties who meet and play their imaginative game of D&D, there are plenty of dice rolls, spellcasting, and sparks flying between the two love interests. While Quinn and Logan are two friends who vow not to like each other, their chemistry is electric! Their friendship is bound by circumstance and a connection that is slightly out of reach, making this story perfect for those who enjoy a friends to lover tale.

★ ★ ★ ★.5

𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🎲 ya romance
🎲 live streaming
🎲 mean girls (and guys)
🎲 D&D sequences

Length: 316p
Source: ARC - TBR & Beyond, NetGalley
Release Date: December 31, 2024

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I LOVE this little series. So far the books are standalone but both are heavily centered around D&D and it’s just so nerdy and cute and—it’s like a warm hug.

We have a ya romance but the tension and chemistry between Quinn and Logan had me SWOONING. Ugh, to be young and in love (I mean I’m 38 and in love with the Hubs for almost 19 years but young love was so different). Even I felt butterflies for these two. The push and pull lasted through most of the book but I loved, LOVED the tension.

The friend group was also amazing. Such a diverse group of characters that brought humor and that “found family” vibe I always love in young adult stories. The family dynamics were also developed nicely!

Have I found a new favorite ya author? Absolutely! Although I have to admit the audio is what I prefer because it’s just so fun listening to these kinds of stories!

{I received a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}

Omg I thought I loved the first one but this one stole my heart toooooo! Logan and Quinn were so adorable!

“𝔻𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕒𝕡𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕚𝕫𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕥𝕖𝕩𝕥 𝕞𝕖 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘. 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕖𝕩𝕥.”

Like 🥰 I want more of THIS! I loved their friends to enemies to friends to lovers journey, and this friend group is one that everyone wants. I cannot praise this book enough and @kristylboyce has earned a place as an auto buy author for me!

Recommended for fans of YA, slow burn, and pining.

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
0/5

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What to Expect:
🩵Dungeons & Dragons
🎲Forbidden Romance
🩵High School MCs
🎲Single POV
🩵SLOW BURN ROMANCE
🎲Secret Relationship
🩵Warm and Fuzzy Feelings
🎲YA Romance

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Kristy Boyce has done it again! After loving Dungeons and Drama, I knew Dating and Dragons would be yet again, another hit, and let me tell you—it absolutely DELIVERED. This adorable YA rom-com follows Quinn as she joins a D&D group at her new school, where romance and gaming collide in the most heart-fluttering way (So stinkin adorable though!). The no-dating rule within the group sets the stage for ALL THE TENSION (and awkwardly adorable flirting) between Quinn and Logan, the group’s charming and slightly reserved gamer. Even if you're not a D&D expert, Boyce’s storytelling makes the game accessible and fun, weaving the gameplay into the larger narrative without overwhelming it with pure game info.

Quinn is such a relatable and well-rounded main character—her personality, quirks, and even her clothing choices make her feel like someone you’d meet in real life. Logan, on the other hand, took a little time to win me over, but by the end, I was all-in on their sweet, slow-burn romance. Add in a hilarious, meddling grandma, heartwarming friendships, and D&D livestream shenanigans, and you’ve got a story that feels both cozy and deeply engaging. The group dynamics were so fun, and I couldn’t help but laugh at their witty banter.

My only complaint? I wanted more! Some scenes flew by too quickly, and I would’ve loved extra time with Quinn and Logan to explore their chemistry further–I think this mostly comes from me being used to reading Adult books… I have to remind myself, this is a HS story, not ADULTS! But honestly, this book left me giggling, swooning, and wishing I could join a D&D campaign of my own (don’t tell my husband, he will have me signed up in 2 seconds!) If you’re into YA romance, nerdy vibes, or just a feel-good story, this one’s for you.

This is the story of high schoolers Quinn and Logan, who meet when Quinn arrives as the new girl at school in February, mid-school year. Quinn is back in the town that her grandmother lives in and boy, is Barbara a hoot! She made a handful of appearances (more so at the beginning and end) and when she did, she stole the show.
Quinn and Logan end up playing in the same D&D group (for those that don't know, it's the game Dungeons & Dragons), when Quinn fits right in with said friend group. I LOVED Quinn and Kashvi's friendship so much and I just wanted to join in on their jewelry making parties!
The supporting characters were equally admirable and I loved their D&D campaigns.
The comic fest event with the group costume contest was to die for, the pickleball scene was hilarious, the family dynamics with Quinn, her parents, and her brother Andrew was admirable, and the slowww burn between Quinn and Logan was to DIE for!!! This was such a sweet read and it made me want to craft, eat pancakes, play nerdy games (l'm such a nerd), and bottle feed a calf (you have to read to know)!
This read was...So. Perfect.

This book was cute! Low in spice, perfect for any reader. Love the concept of incorporating a well know role playing game into a book! I’ve only played dungeons and dragons once in my life, but it was cute to see it played into a love story

SO CUTE AND FUN AND COZY! I know very little about d&d but I had such a good time with this. I loved the focus on friendship and family relationships as well as the romance.

If you read and liked Dungeons and Drama then you’ll love this. I liked this one even more! Not only are Quinn and Logan super cute but this whole friend group is A+. I wish had them as friends when I was a teen. I loved them all so so much. Quinn’s family, especially her Grandma, were also such a funny and heartwarming addition. You gotta love a meddling grandma who means well. 🩵

This was super cute! It made me want to play D&D and try those amazing pancakes! Highly recommended you’re looking for a lighthearted and at times funny YA read. 💚

Thank you Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review. I love how unique this book is! Having a book that tailor's to gaming, but with a romantic twist is something I didn't know I needed! I love Quinn and Logan together! I love how charming and charismatic Logan is and I love the banter between him and Quinn.

Dating and Dragons is a simple will-they-won't-they for YA romantics. The swoony moments are weighted out by the wholesome friendships made and the fun antics of a nosy grandmother. This book could be an option for a hi-low reader, but the cute factor is for anyone who likes romance.

Dating and Dragons
Kristy Boyce

The second book in the Dungeons and Drama series.
This one follows Quinn, where he starts a new school and joins a D&D game hoping to gain friends. Even better when Logan, the attractive guy that Quinn met on her first day, is the same group as her. It gets a little complicated when new rules are made for the members of the D&D game. Dating other members and phones are not allowed. It shouldn’t be a problem for Quinn seeing as Logan has become unbearable. But there squabbling is more than just in the D&D game, it overspills to there real life as well. Could Logan’s annoying actions be a decoy for his true feelings?

I loved Quinn and Logan as characters. The romance was one of the cutest that I’ve read in a long time. I love these covers as well.
Another home run for Kristy Boyce.

Thank you to Random House Children's and Net Galley for this E-ARC in exchange for reading and reviewing this title.