I received an Audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media!

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator(s): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes, etc: Workplace Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Non-Binary MC, Lesbian FMC
POV: Dual, 1st Person
3rd Act Breakup?: No
Cliffhanger?: No

Brief Summary: Cat lands her dream job working on the Narrative Team for Compass Hollow, a highly anticipated video game. The only problem is her new boss, Andi, has no interest in the romance storylines Cat was hired to write.

The Praise: I liked this! Cat was really sweet and relatable. I liked that Andi was empathetic and kind under their tough shell.

The Critique: I wish we had seen a little more relationship development between Cat and Andi. I loved the hotel scene where Cat stays with Andi so they aren’t alone and they get to know each other…I would’ve loved another scene similar to that!
The video game lingo was also a bit confusing sometimes.

Final Thoughts: This was cute! I recommend it, especially if you’re a Gamer.

Sometimes when I love a book I struggle to write a review because my brain goes on so many tangents to why I loved it or comes up blank and is just like asdfghjklkbridbdj read it!

I loved this book.

Queer.
Nerdy.
Enemies to Lovers with a splash of fake dating.
A sprinkle of spice.

And an abundance of gaming references.

A lot of times I wonder if enemies to lovers doesn’t really work in a contemporary setting because the stakes aren’t super high but this one worked. Maybe it’s not ENEMIES. But they definitely both have to grow as people to be able to see any good in the other person. And that might be at the heart of why I love enemies to lovers. Someone who only sees the bad and then falls deeply in love in spite of themselves lol.

Natalie Naudus is the narrator and did an incredible job. As always.

Thanks to netgalley and Dreamscape media for an alc.

This came out Tuesday, Jan 7th

I can arguably say that I am not a gamer. Outside of duck hunter it was not something my parents allowed, and as a result, I just never got into gaming. I found the gaming aspects in the book to be interesting at times because I was learning things I didn’t know but also, I was struggling because I really had zero idea what they were talking about.

I loved that Cat is described as short and fat, her soft stomach is described, and I really did think that overall, it was positive fat rep. Andi is non-binary and was outed as non-binary in the video game industry and this game is their comeback project from that fall out. I really love that this is a sapphic Asian romance with a non-binary character. I really feel the need to hammer this in because WAY too many were calling this an F/F romance on Goodreads when it is a sapphic one, but it is F/NB romance do not dismiss the non-binary character. We need them in our romances.

Andi is passionate about creating a game where there is a non-binary character that would be one of the first in the industry. Andi also was really frustrated when Cat joins the team because she was there to help write the romance plotlines into the story and Andi didn’t understand why every video game needed to appeal to femme people by adding in romance. I appreciated the way in which Andi pushed back that romance doesn’t need to be something to pull in femme gamers. However, with that said, I also appreciated the way in which Cat talked about the emotional connection that can come in with romances and how anyone regardless of gender can connect with love.

Overall, I really did enjoy a lot of aspects of this book and the characters. There was a sabotage plotline that also keeps you hooked into knowing what is happening. I wish some parts were not as slow and a little less of the gaming jargon for me personally, but I KNOW many will connect with it exactly as it is! I am excited to read more from Tara as this is their debut novel and I am eager to see what they do next.

Single Player by Tara Tai is a total win—a fun, sharp, and surprisingly heartfelt workplace romance set in the high-stakes world of game development. It’s packed with all the things you want from an enemies-to-lovers story: sharp banter, slow-burn tension, and the kind of chemistry that sneaks up on you like a perfectly executed plot twist. And when you throw in the video game setting? It’s like unlocking a secret level of emotional depth and nerdy joy.

Cat Li is a dream protagonist for anyone who’s ever swooned over fictional romance arcs but had a serious love drought IRL. She’s earnest without being naive and determined without veering into overkill. She writes the romantic storylines for a living, so of course, she believes in love—but that belief is put to the test when she meets Andi Zhang, her boss and human storm cloud of cynicism. Andi, on the other hand, is all about no-nonsense, no-frills storytelling—and love stories? Definitely not part of their creative vision.

Their dynamic? Straight fire. Andi’s broody, guarded demeanor versus Cat’s upbeat idealism makes for an entertaining clash from their very first awkward meeting. But what makes it more than just tropey bickering is how much emotional weight Tai adds to their personalities and pasts. Andi’s trauma from online harassment isn’t just a plot device—it’s a raw, honest look at how toxic the gaming world can be, and how protective someone becomes of their art (and their heart) when they’ve been burned before.

The narration by Natalie Naudus is pitch-perfect, by the way. She gives Cat’s dialogue that hopeful, effervescent energy while capturing Andi’s dry wit and vulnerability in a way that feels natural and distinct. It’s the kind of performance that makes you want to listen to a book during every free minute.

Of course, there’s also the workplace chaos: corporate meddling, creative disputes, and the slow realization that “Oh no, I’m catching feelings for the one person I was determined to hate.” But what really sets this apart is the backdrop of video game storytelling. The parallels between their game’s evolving romance storyline and their own relationship are subtle but effective—it feels like the narrative is leveling up right alongside the characters. And if you’re a gamer, there are just enough Easter eggs to make you feel seen without alienating non-gamers.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the final “villain reveal” felt a little predictable—like finding out the boss fight is just a beefed-up version of the minion you’ve already defeated—but it doesn’t really matter because by that point, you’re way too invested in seeing Cat and Andi figure out how to co-op their way to happiness.

This one’s a solid four stars—charming, thoughtful, and just the right balance of angst and fluff. It’s a rom-com that knows how to hit start on your heartstrings and keep you playing ‘til the very end. And honestly? I’d play the heck out of Compass Hollow if it were real.

Such a perfect LGBTQ POC rom-com! The writing of this story is so good I was able to feel the second hand embarrassment of the characters, and the happiness they had of course once together. All of the nerdy references that were just casually put in through the text as the characters used them was the cherry on top. As a fellow nerd who loves a good romance this book was amazing and can't wait for more work by the author.

“I believe hope is our beating hearts reminding us that there is still life in this world worth fighting for.”

#SinglePlayer by #TaraTai is a 4.0 ⭐️ read.

I LOVED how this story unfolded, it was funny, emotional, embracing, and full of FEELS! The growth in the main characters was incredible. And How they were able to see the truth in each other was so perfect!

Spice Level - 🌶️

YOU GUYS this was exactly what i needed after finishing arcane (absolutely no correlation outside of video games, but i digress). these workplace enemies to lovers were EATING IT UP and i loved learning more about that aspect of things while watching these two incredibly complex and gorgeous people fall in love ;’))

I loved this book SO freaking much!

Socially awkward gamer, Cat Li, has just landed her dream job on the writing team for an highly anticipated video game where she will be working under one of her heroes, Andi Zhang. At the first interaction, the pair butt heads. Cat was told she was going to be helping to write the romance arc of the game, only to find out that Andi is firmly against adding romance.

This was a really fun workplace romance. I wouldn’t necessarily call it enemies to lovers, but I will borrow a term I learned in the book - rivalmance. I loved Cat and Andi, and especially enjoyed how Cat approaches interpersonal relationships.

📚 5/5
🌶️ 1/5

I found "Single Player" by Tara Tai fine; it was a fun plot, but I didn't love it. Both the main characters get boring and annoying a the middle of the book.

If you’ve read two can play by Ali Hazelwood but felt like you wanted more of the gaming into the storyline. If you like work place romances, enemies to lovers but sapphic. This book is for you!

It’s a little messy and captures well how much of a “small world” it can be when you’re queer.
I love that the gaming aspects were present where I didn’t expect them. Cat’s inner monologue when trying to make decisions like she was playing a video game had me giggling.

The pacing is very slow in my opinion however it didn’t bother me because we took the time to set them up as enemies and for a moment I wondered how the author was going to evolve this into a romance 😅 but everything played out beautifully.

For the narration everything was great but I found interesting the choice of voice for one of the side characters.

Narration Overall: 3.5

Voice: 4
Energy: 4
Pacing: 3
Emotions: 3

Story/Writing Overall: 3.5

Prose: 3
Entertainment: 4
Emotions: 3
Storyline: 4

Spice level: 🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for providing an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The narration for this one was wonderfully done.
I enjoyed the very different voices for the characters and the narration.
The story itself was pretty great, and kept me engaged the entire time.

This is a delightful and lighthearted romance that is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy queer, contemporary love stories, particularly those who appreciate the intersection of gaming culture and identity, and are looking for a fun and uplifting tale of enemies-to-lovers romance.

‘Single Player’ is a heartwarming and witty romance set against the backdrop of the video game industry, and it's an absolute joy to read. The novel, a delightful blend of workplace drama, geek culture, and an enemies-to-lovers romance, follows Cat Li, an enthusiastic, hopelessly romantic writer, and Andi Zhang, her no-nonsense, grumpy boss. The chemistry between these two is electric, and their dynamic — grumpy versus sunshine — forms the emotional core of the story.

Cat, with her infectious optimism, humour, and unshakeable belief in the power of love, is an instantly lovable character. Her passion for both romance and gaming makes her relatable to a wide audience, and her witty remarks had me laughing out loud more than once. On the flip side, Andi is a more complex and guarded character, shaped by both personal traumas and the challenges of being a non-binary person in a male-dominated profession. The unraveling of Andi’s layers as they slowly warm to Cat’s charm and creativity is deeply satisfying, and the alternating POV chapters provide a full picture of the growing tension and connection between them.

While the plot doesn’t break new ground in terms of surprises — this is a rom-com, after all — what ‘Single Player’ excels at is vivid, well-rounded characters and its authentic depiction of the gaming world. The book takes readers behind the scenes of game development, showing the challenges and pressures that come with creating a major project like ‘Compass Hollow’. Andi's struggles, particularly with their professional credibility and past trauma, feel grounded and relevant, adding weight to what could otherwise be a lighter, fluffier story.

The supporting characters, particularly Andi’s friend Val and Cat’s bestie Rosalie, are crucial in fleshing out the main couple. Their relationships with Cat and Andi help humanise both protagonists and offer delightful moments of levity. The interactions between Cat and Rosalie, in particular, provide a refreshing and genuine portrayal of friendship that complements the romantic arc.

The pacing of the book is solid, with a nice balance between character development, humour, and emotional depth. There are several memorable moments, such as the bathroom argument scene (which I won’t spoil!), that cleverly play on familiar romantic tropes while still feeling fresh and fun. While the outcome is predictable for rom-com fans, the journey to get there is what makes this story so enjoyable.

The audiobook version, narrated by Natalie Naudus, is a real standout. Naudus perfectly captures the distinct personalities of both Cat and Andi, making it easy to differentiate between the characters even during moments of intense dialogue. Her narration adds an extra layer of charm to an already engaging story, and I highly recommend the audiobook for anyone who enjoys romance with a touch of geeky humour.

In summary, ‘Single Player’ is an entertaining, heartfelt romance that’s as much about personal growth as it is about love. If you're a fan of workplace romance, gaming culture, or just enjoy a well-executed enemies-to-lovers story, this book will definitely hit the mark. It’s a delightful read that balances humour with emotional depth, and it’s a perfect way to kick off your 2025 reading journey.

With thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the alc of this novel.

HOLY PALUTENA! THIS WAS A STELLAR DEBUT!!!
✨🎮💕

I am happy to announce I have a new book crush, & you will too once you read this!
ANDI ZHANG IS 🔥😍

Next time you’re out book shopping, this is one you MUST want to pick up!

“Single Player,” reignited my love for video games. In fact, I am sad I’m am currently pushing through having trigger finger & unable to pick my switch up. This story has me craving the feeling of getting lost in a game.

“Single Player,” features 2 main characters who are both highly driven & wildly talented. I admire Cat & Andi’s passion for their jobs & their love for gaming. Cat is hired to write the romances for characters in the game that Andi is developing. The way these two meet for the first time had me giggling & kicking my feet (pretty much the whole story had me that way lol).

Something I absolutely loved about the writing in this story is all the micro-yearning/noticing of little things. “I fixate on the striations of fabric hugging her lower ribs.” “My brain is still hung up on the way Cat smelled when she brushed past me.” YOU DON’T JUST NOTICE THE LITTLE THINGS ABOUT ANYONE, YOU BOTH ARE CRUSHING!!!!!

Tara did a lovely job with the gaming references. I feel like they add so much comedy & heart to the story. Even if you aren’t well-versed with gaming or DND references, this is still a VERY enjoyable read.

Natalie Naudus narrates the audiobook for, “Single Player,” PERFECTLY. If you are looking for a sapphic rom com to listen to, this is a great choice!

Read this if…
You want a sapphic workplace romance with high tension that will have you laughing out loud.

A major thank you to @dreamscape_media for the ALC & to @alcovepress for the digital ARC through @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Cat and Andi both had difficult relationships. They both live in a Cis male dominated professional world. As they stumble into each other's orbit, it's rocky. Over time their connection grows while they navigate both a messy personal and professional relationship.

Video game developers lgbt characters betrayal d and d love spice amazing banter and learning to love yourself amazing I especially enjoyed listening to this

Single Player is a fun and sweet rom com for folks looking for stories that weave in aspects of gaming, fandom, friendship and even office culture. All things I absolutely love reading about! I'd say this is a classic workplace enemies to lovers plot done pretty well!

I personally found both main characters incredibly easy to like, even in their not so great moments and the romantic pacing really hit the spot for me! Overall, I loved this and will absolutely be looking out for more from Tara Tai!

Actually a classic enemies-to-lovers, workplace, slow-burn romance.
Here in the setting of the gaming world and the development of one of it. Andi Zhang is a very grumpy boss and a bit of an ice-queen.
Famous in the gaming scene and also involved in a lot of rumors about her past, but otherwise she is unpalatable. At least to Cat.
The new and according to Andi absolutely superfluous employee.
Cat Li is convinced that she can help Andi Zhang's new game to be much more successful with a romantic aspect.
Andi sees it completely differently and treats her with more hostility than she intended, because she is a bit surprised about her reactions to her.
In fact, the encounters are frosty and hostile for quite a long time.
However, the thoughts of the two about each other speak a slightly different language. The book is a lot about the romantic story of each character in the game, which slowly develops and is worked on by both MCs.
Lots of gamer language, but still easy to understand for non-gamers.
It's also ironic, incredibly funny and witty in many situations.
Cat is clumsy and regularly has extremely funny thoughts that also accidentally shoots out of her mouth! Hilarious.
At the same time it’s sad and a little dark when we share Andi‘s thoughts.
Andi is insecure and is now convinced, by her past relationship that went wrong, that she is now impossible to love. So you see it’s complicated or more than that.
I loved the narration.
The voices fit perfectly and were very easy to distinguish. Terrific!
Thanks so much for this ARC audiobook!

3.5 stars
This was generally a good read, but I struggled to stay focused on it the whole way through. The plot was good, especially the ending, but the characters I found hard to connect with. The gaming references were a little much at times (and this is coming from a gamer).

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

I started and finished Single Player in one day. Between the hate to love tension between Cat and Andi and Natalie Naudus' narration, it was impossible for me to put it down! The tension between these two was off the charts from their disastrous meet cute to their first kiss. I actually got why they didn't like each other, and overcoming that dislike fit their separate character development. This is super slow burn!!! But the wait was so worth it for me. I just enjoyed these two together so much. Also, and it might be the bare minimum, I loved that Cat was constantly going to bat for Andi when they didn't like each other. Cat didn't take any of the transphobic, sexist, rhetoric from the higher ups.

I was really wrapped up in the gaming culture setting of this book. I've always been a casual gamer, but this made me want to play so many more games. I loved all the commentary on the gaming industry: how it doesn't prioritize diverse voices and how much the limited representation affects what different communities buy and play. I wish the game they were writing for was real so I could romance all the different characters. The game is obviously a huge part of the plot, but it never felt like it bogged down the romance (I would argue it moved it along because of their arguments).

Over all, Single Player is a stunning debut from Tara Tai (she/they)! I will definitely pick up anything they write from here on out. Pick this up if you like hate to love, work place romance, queer and trans representation (lesbian x enby), fat representation, navigating friends and family in your twenties, and video games of course!!!

This is me begging for a group of queer friends who will teach me how to play dnd!!!