Two Can Play Review

by Ali Hazelwood

Rating: 5/5

An enemies-to-lovers spicy romance set in the world of video gaming

Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime: to design a video game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem? Her co-lead is Jesse F-ing Andrews, a.k.a. her arch-nemesis. Jesse has made it abundantly clear over the years that he wants nothing to do with her–and Viola has no idea why.

When their bosses insist a wintery retreat is the perfect team-building exercise, Viola can’t think of anything worse. Being freezing cold in a remote mountain lodge knowing Jesse is right next door? No, thank you.

But as the snow piles on, Viola discovers there’s more to Jesse than she knew, and heat builds in more ways than one.

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This was such an adorable novella! I listened to this one in basically a single sitting. I just didn’t want it to end. I was sad, though, that this novella was an audiobook only. I was so excited when this came to print! I couldn't wait to add this one to my collection! My inner book dragon needed it! 

The premise is simple and definitely predictable, but I loved every second of it. This enemies-to-lovers romance was so incredibly sweet. Our two MCs are lead game designers for rival companies who both want to work on this new project for a new game based on a book series. In order to get the project, the two companies must prove they can work together, so the two CEOs decide to send the two teams on a winter retreat. To test the waters and see if this could work. Viola is worried it’ll be a shitshow because she’s convinced Jesse hates her guts and wants nothing to do with her. And despite knowing this, she’s been pining after him for years.

Watching our two main characters interact with each other was so entertaining! Especially following Viola’s inner monologue. As I mentioned, it was predictable. But I just ate it up! It was so CUTE! And the further we get, we learn what really happened between these two and what led to the enemies-to-lovers trope backstory. It was very much an amusing story to uncover for these two.

I also found the premise of this new game, which they were wanting to develop off a book series, so captivating! The book they talk about, while fictional, gave me vibes of one of my favorite series from when I was younger, Fallen by Lauren Kate. Which the more I heard about their book series and plans for the game, all I could envision was Fallen, and the idea of that becoming a video game, like they were suggesting, would be amazing! 

This novella would make a great holiday read! As this takes place during the month of December.

If you enjoy romance with an enemies-to-lovers trope and some spice, I highly recommend this one! 

This is one that I would love to reread for the holidays!