Roll for Romance is the first romance I’ve read featuring DnD, but it definitely won’t be the last! While I’m not a regular DnD player, I spent many hours playing it with my best friends a few years ago. This book made me feel so nostalgic for that time!

I loved the back and forth between real life and the game. I was initially worried that it would take me out of the story, but the way the two parts were weaved together made it so easy to follow and stay invested. The characters were entertaining and endearing, as well. I absolutely adored Noah! Sadie was a great FMC, and I found myself to be invested in her job struggles and life.

The reason this is a three-star read for me is that, unfortunately, I did find myself getting just a little bored about a quarter of the way through. It was never boring necessarily, but I just wasn’t finding myself racing to read more which is what I wanted. As a massive mood reader, this might’ve just been a case of right book, wrong time.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read, but I’m not sure that I’ll be rereading it in the future. That being said, if you love DnD and want to read a cute romance, please give this one a try!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House for the free ARC in exchange for my review.

Thank you NetGalley and Lenora Woods for the arc of Roll for Romance. I truly enjoyed Sadie and Noah's story! I gave it a 3 star rating and minimal spice.

Sadie leaves NYC to bunk with her buddy Liam, after burning out with work. She joins his Dungeons and Dragons game where she meets new friends that have similar interests. Through the D&D game, she meets Noah, who is a free spirited soul, enjoying life. I've never read a book like this. We get told the story through what is happening in Sadie's life as well as how the D&D game is progressing. I love the back and forth between reality and the D&D game, while intertwining reality into the games (like when Noah and Sadie would flirt via their characters). It did read slow during the middle of the book.

I think the romance could've been kept closed door. I don't think it added anything extra to the story and felt a little weird. I do feel like they had more of a connection towards the end of the novel.

Overall, I'd recommend this book for a fun, light hearted read.

I’ll start with the disclaimer that I don’t really know anything about D&D - or at least I didn’t before reading this book.
Even after getting a grasp of the bare basics, the immersive D&D sections jarred me out of the story every. single. time. I felt like I was reading two different books.
That aside, I liked the book alright, it reads a bit like a Hallmark story - woman leaves big city for a small town and is charmed by the life and people - but who doesn’t love a Hallmark story?!
Thank you Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell Publishers for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited to pick up Roll for Romance—the cozy, nerdy romance vibes and the adorable cover immediately drew me in! The setting of a love story centered around tabletop gaming is so fun, and I really enjoyed the lightheartedness of it all.

The story has a lot of charm, and I can see it being a perfect fit for readers who love sweet, tropey romances with a gamer setting. The gaming elements, found family vibes, and warmth of the story will hook readers right away!

This is a fun, easy read and I love the cover.

Unfortunately around 23% in, I simply became bored and I was forcing myself to read. I truly think this has a lot to do with my mood of reading, but I was also hoping for a bit more depth from the characters. It was cute, but I am sad to say I don’t think it’s for me. I will likely end up getting this in stores if I see it and recommending it to others as I do think it’s a good book, I just personally am not into it currently.

Thank you for the opportunity to sample and read this eARC in advance. I am leaving this honest feedback voluntarily.

This book has the most incredible blend of contemporary romance and fantasy lore, it truly captivated me from the moment I started reading.

Our main character Sadie is playing D&D for the first time while she stays with her college roommate Liam for the summer, and he recruits some other first time players.. including a handsome, charming Bard named Noah. Sadie’s character Jaylie, and Noah’s character Loren begin to spark an in game romance on their adventures, while they also start to spend more time together outside the game.

This book has the most entertaining back and forth between the storytelling of real life Sadie and Noah in Heller, Texas; and the fantasy storytelling of the D&D campaign. I felt like I was truly reading two stories at once and going back and forth between both was just so much fun.

This book is not only perfect for people who play and love D&D, it’s also perfect for people who have never played before. It’s a fantastic introduction into the D&D world, and you will learn the lore and how to play alongside Sadie and Noah.

This book was funny, tender, romantic, and the spicy scenes were SO GOOD.

The ending also had me tearing up because I just loved the characters and the world so much, I truly didn't want it to end.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Penguin Random House, Dell , and Lenora Woods for the chance to read this arc, I can't wait to get my own copy on release day!

I have nothing negative to say about this book! the vibes were there the entire time. I love how the author paints such a wonderful picture in every scene. not even just with the dungeons & dragons campaign, but with how she describes the real life portions too! I loved this book and it had the perfect romantic component, but not too much.

will definitely be buying a physical copy when it gets released!!!

I don’t play D&D but I love the vibes! Naturally, I wanted to read this book. I’m so glad I read this book because it meshes the story telling of the D&D campaign and the actual story so well. I was worried it would be too much jumping around, but it wasn’t at all!! I loved getting to see the main characters develop individually and in their relationship inside and outside of the campaign. Sadie, sweet baby angel Sadie, you deserve the world. I kind of wished we got to see her and her bestie together a little bit more, but I loved their supportive dynamic with each other! Also are we getting a book two with liam??? OMG and noah, you would love mirrorball by Taylor Swift i just know it. Oh! And their slow burn romance???? Had me begging for their relationship to develop and giggling when they would have their small casual touches here and there! I just loved everything about this book from Sadie reconnecting with herself and figuring out what she actually wants in life, to finding an amazing friend group, to the nerdy aspects of our main characters. Please Lenora i’m beggingggggg for moooorrreeeee!

3 Stars.

Thank you NetGalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this with very little knowledge of how D&D works, I have never personally played it, but know plenty of people that really enjoyed it. I was able to overlook my complete ignorance to the game most of the time and still find this story enjoyable.

I haven’t read a gamer book yet so I was excited to dive into this world. This book did not disappoint. I loved the communication and love between the characters and hope there is a spin off book in the future!

Roll for Romance was a solid nerdy, slow burn romance that had me wanting to get my guild together to play DnD immediately. I loved the idea of the switching perspectives between reality and her character in DnD as we were able to see her growth in both ways and how much that character helped her shape her new strength. Would definitely read more from this author.

3.75!

This was such a cute sweet treat of a story! It had its cheesy moments here and there, but honestly, it became a part of the vibe after a while so I just went along for the ride.

I loved seeing the characters not only as their D&D personas but also as real people outside of the game. The dynamic of watching their relationship evolve in both worlds was really fun and wholesome. It was cute to see how the way they interacted with each other in the game sometimes mirrored, and other times contrasted, how they connected in real life. It created this really cool, layered experience, where their romance developed not just through their actions as adventurers but also in their personal lives.

The blend of fantasy and reality made their connection feel even more genuine, and by the end, you couldn't help but root for them. The whole thing was an enjoyable ride that balanced humor, tenderness, and the thrill of both the game and their relationship.

There were some aspects that felt a little underdeveloped in the characters. Specifically with Noah, he was just so perfect that he genuinely didn't seem real. I would have loved a little more vulnerability from his character and some more flaws.

Also, there were aspects of the Dnd scenes that felt a little confusing. Because there isn't much world-building like there would be in a real DND campaign or in a full fantasy book, it felt a little confusing. Especially since in DND, you have notes that you can look off of to remind you of characters. I wished there was a mixed media element where we could have looked at Sadie's notes as a key in the beginning or peppers throughout the book.

Overall, I enjoyed this one!

Also, ty Netgalley and Dell for the e-arc!

Lenora Woods' Roll for Romance delivers a refreshing and charming take on the romance genre, seamlessly blending small-town charm with the fantastical world of Dungeons & Dragons. The story follows Sadie, a New York marketing professional forced to rebuild her life in a quiet Texas town, where her best friend Liam introduces her to the captivating world of tabletop role-playing. Through the game she meets Jules, Morgan, and Noah, who quickly become a second family for her. Sparks fly between not only Sadie and Noah, but their D&D characters Jaylie and Loren as well.

What truly sets this book apart is its unique narrative structure. Woods masterfully weaves together Sadie's real-life experiences with her D&D character, Jaylie. This dual storyline is not only entertaining but as the story continues, the two worlds become increasingly intertwined as the lines between reality and fantasy blur. This clever approach adds depth and intrigue to the familiar romance trope.

The slow-burn romance is expertly executed, building tension and anticipation throughout the story, culminating in a satisfyingly spicy conclusion. Even as a non-D&D player, I found the game-related aspects of the book engaging, making D&D feel less intimidating and more approachable.

Roll for Romance is a delightful blend of contemporary romance and fantasy, perfect for readers looking for a lighthearted and engaging read. Lenora Woods has crafted a unique and enjoyable story that successfully captures the magic of both small-town life and the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons. If Woods continues to explore the world of nerdy romances, I will be eagerly adding them to my bookshelf.

“Roll for Romance” by Lenora Woods blends real-life love with the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons. It follows Sadie, who joins a D&D campaign after a career setback and connects with Noah, both in-game and in real life.

For readers unfamiliar with D&D, the game elements may feel a bit dense, but many found it an accessible introduction. While the romance is sweet, the story leans heavily on the D&D aspects, which might appeal more to fans of the game. However, even without prior knowledge, the character dynamics and friendships add charm to the novel.

Who actually falls first? Because honestly it felt mutual. I loved the friendship in this story as well.

Sadie is tired. She’s worn out. She needs… change.
Noah is different. He’s respectful. He’s a breath of fresh air. Oh. And hot.

After her best friend Liam friendly forces her like all besties do, to take a much needed step back Sadie finds she might not have thought her life out as thoroughly as she thought.
While visiting she joins in her bff’s fav past time, D&D.
Now she’s rolling for initiative for hopes of something to make sense soon.
As she’s figuring it out she didn’t realize she rolled for romance with the new guy in town.

Let’s break down this review-

Plot: was it strong? Yes. Were there any slow points? Or did the story self drive? Honestly any ‘slow’ point the story would start to naturally pick up again on its own to drive into the next scene.

The natural switch from in person to in character was dare I say? Perfect. It was awkward and was at the right spots for a scene change. Beautifully placed.

Characters: how were the main characters? They were delightful. They were not unrealistic with how they acted. There was no perfect person in this story. Side characters? Perfect amount of them and they never under or over showed. They blended beautifully.
There was great character growth for our FMC as well. You saw her struggle and over come in the small day to day way we all do. She was us. She was human and relatable.

Spice: started very pg and the characters naturally moved to the spice. Very natural blend and no unneeded smut.

Overall?

Is this the best book ever? No but did I find everything I love about reading in this book? Yes

I was able to emerge myself in this story. I could so easily slip into the character world. I loved everything about the characters. It’s honestly a great one off book or could see a book 2 come into play.

When Sadie's career and life in New York hit a major road block, she decides to spend the summer with her childhood best friend in Texas. While there, she joins his Dungeons and Dragons campaign where she becomes a cleric of the Goddess of Luck and learns about adventure, bravery, and love both in game and IRL. As she begins to settle into this small town and fall for the new bartender, she has to decide if this is just a summer break or an adventure away from everything she's ever planned for herself.

I loved this book! The romance was swoony, the game was adventurous, and Sadie's anxiety over where her life was going was so relatable. I think the author did a great job showing how burnout is more than one moment of everything breaking down but a slow domino effect until you're left floundering and not even knowing how to rebuild. Dungeons and Dragons built so much of who I am and introduced me to so many people in my life. To see it displayed so tenderly and vividly in this book meant more than I can properly put into words. It also felt very accessible though, in that I think someone who has never played D&D before would still understand and enjoy the storytelling moments that break up Sadie's real life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Thank you to Netgalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

4.5/5

First and foremost: this is not your average contemporay romance and that’s what makes this more appealing. I really enjoyed being able to immerse into the world of D&D while also seeing the growth of Sadie as she worked through her burnout and learned more about herself and her path forward, as well as how Noah played a part in this and thus having their relationship grow both in-game and IRL.

I don’t think that you ahve to have knowledge of D&D to still enjoy this story, but having that knowledge did make this a significantly more enjoyable story for me.

This felt like a strong debut to me and I really look forward to whatever Lenora does next.

Cute romance about a woman looking for her second chance and a man who can't stay in any place for too long. They meet playing D&D and I honestly really enjoyed that aspect of the book. As someone who's never played before, I was worried that might be overly technical or over my head but it was incorporated in a way that added to my enjoyment of the story!

Sadie Brooks left New York City to move in with her best friend (Liam) who lives in a small Texas town, when she’s let go from her marketing job. She feels unmoored without her life in the city and spends her days sleeping in and doing nothing. Liam convinces her to (finally) play Dungeons and Dragons and puts together a beginners group - Morgan, a bookstore manager; Jules, a music teacher and Noah, a new to town bartender. Sadie builds her character Jaylie, and gives her the characteristics she wishes she had in her real life. As the group embarks on their epic campaign, Sadie and Noah’s chemistry becomes apparent in both real life and in game but Noah has always been a nomad, never staying in one place too long and Sadie plans on moving back to the city when summer ends. Will they find a reason to stick around in Texas or will their adventure together end when the game does?

Tropes

* Friends to Lovers
* Small Town
* Slow Burn
* D&D Role-Playing
* Found Family

I absolutely adored every single thing about this book. Never in my life have I wanted to play D&D and this book has my social anxiety ridden self thinking maybe I could people enough to enjoy it! I LOVE that we got a story within a story by getting to read Sadie & Noah’s story play out but also getting to go on the D&D quest with the characters. I was equally invested in each plot line. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. It felt left open for more adventure and I am crossing my fingers that that’s the case 🤞

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing—Ballantine for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

ROLL FOR ROMANCE is a summer-drenched slow burn romance with a small town back drop and a hilarious cast of characters. ☀️ If you’re a fantasy nerd, you’ll enjoy all of your favorite archetypes and in-jokes. 🏰 It also introduced me to my new favorite trope… one tent. Lenora Woods is now an insta-buy for me. I can't wait for more books by this author!