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megj23's review
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, Toxic relationship, and Outing
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia, Biphobia, Cancer, and Death of parent
bookcheshirecat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
“Some people might think this erratic, possibly a cause for concern. She preferred to think of it as not giving a single, solitary fuck.”
➽ Role Playing was such a sweet, nerdy Romance! I love that the story follows two older adults (48 & 50), as I feel like we don't see that nearly enough in Romance! Maggie and Aiden both meet through an online gaming guild, but have no idea who the other is in real life. Maggie's a bit of a hermit (very relatable), so she's pushed by her son to engage with others. Since she's not really interested in talking with anyone from her small town, she turns to her favorite hobby: gaming. I loved Maggie a lot as she was so relatable and probably how I'll turn out in the future! It's always lovely to see someone older still being passionate about their hobbies. I also appreciated that she has a close bond with her son, who's off to college and kind of like a friend to her. Maggie can be a bit grumpy but is very caring and loyal to her friends. As a fellow introvert, I could relate to her need for personal space!
➽ Aiden is also a sweetheart! He runs the online gaming guild that Maggie joins with a few of his friends. He's moved back home after his father's death to take care of his ailing mother. He had a nursing business with his best friend, so Aiden knows how to be a caretaker. He's got such a big heart, so it hurt to see how manipulative and bigoted his mother was. Aiden was never her favorite and he does everything to take care of her, but his mother constantly berates him. I understood that she struggled with getting older and not wanting to believe it might be time to make changes. However, her behavior was still unacceptable and made me so sad for Aiden, who's left to deal with her. His brother's MIA as he doesn't want to deal with it, so Aiden truly is the main caretaker.
➽ I loved how Aiden and Maggie connected through gaming! Both of them are in desperate need of a friend and they immediately hit it off. Originally, they misjudge each other (Aiden thinks Maggie's an old grandmother, while she thinks he's a college student) but later meet in real life as they live in the same town. I loved how fiercely protective Maggie was of him and how furious she was at his family for treating him so badly. Their relationship was realistic but also very sweet and I was rooting for them the entire time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Outing
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Cancer, Terminal illness, Death, and Sexism
natalieba's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Biphobia, and Outing
ourxstorybegins's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual content, Outing, Biphobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
bookwyrmknits's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, enough that it might be my favorite read of the month—and for a contemporary romance, coming from me, that's really high praise! (I usually read mostly SFF, and very little contemporary.) This book had very relatable characters that I wanted to root for, including some of the side characters. It was wonderful seeing older main characters in the romance spotlight, and the gaming aspect of the relationship part of the book also resonated with me. I loved seeing introverts presented so accurately and positively here. This is going to be a book I return to for comfort reading. (And it has some GREAT quotes!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Death of parent, Outing, and Racism
sharebear431's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Outing, Death of parent, Sexual content, Body shaming, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship
booksalacarte's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley- 4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
Contemporary rom-com
Older MC’s
Second chance romance
Introverted MC’s
Main character 🏳️🌈QIA+ rep
Mistaken identity
This was a sweet rom-com about two older people allowing themselves a second chance at finding love.
I adored the introverted gamers and the found gaming family.
This was a super cute Gen X romance!
Contemporary rom-com
Older MC’s
Second chance romance
Introverted MC’s
Main character 🏳️🌈QIA+ rep
Mistaken identity
This was a sweet rom-com about two older people allowing themselves a second chance at finding love.
I adored the introverted gamers and the found gaming family.
This was a super cute Gen X romance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Alcohol, Cursing, Gaslighting, Outing, Sexual content, Dementia, and Homophobia
lololovesthings's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 stars!
I really enjoyed "Role Playing" by Cathy Yardley! I love the middle age representation in this book -- more of this in romantic fiction, I am begging you! I loved the main characters, Maggie (48) and Aiden (50). They are two super relatable, nerdy people who thrive separately and together in their mutual geekiness. They have both been burned in the past and are wary and guarded. Some may call them immature characters, but I disagree. Just because someone likes to play video games doesn't make them immature. Maggie is the kind of friend you want to have in your life. When some not-so-pleasant things happen to Aiden later in the book, Maggie stands up for him in a way that all allies should stand up for their friends. She gives no f**ks and doesn't care who she disappoints: if you hurt her friend, you have to deal with her. She's grumpy, sure, but it wholly fits her character. I love it when ladies get to be grumpy! And Aiden... sweet, cinnamon roll-y Aiden. My god, I'd do anything for him. I love how organically their friendship grows from online to in real life, and then when they become friends in real life, they eventually, slowly, become more. Swoony! It takes a while for the spice to start, but I think it's worth the wait. And speaking of online, this is a book where the miscommunications that occur online actually make sense and fit into the story. Aiden assumes Maggie is in her 80s, while Maggie thinks Aiden is in his 20s. Because they never discussed their ages online, when they meet in real life, it's a shock that they are so close in age. Sparks instantly fly, it just takes them a while to do something with them (which again, makes sense within the context of the story because Aiden is demisexual! Yay!). This story isn't all about healers and guilds and fractured feet and cooking international cuisine. It also contains some heavy discussions about empty nesting, bullying, demisexuality, homophobia/biphobia, outing, abuse, racism, and family trauma. There is A LOT going on in this story, so much so that I think it suffers a little from the load it has to carry. Yardley is trying to do a lot within a short amount of time, and I think some of the information is glossed over a bit as a result. My chief complaint about the book is that most of the side characters are downright awful, terrible people. Deb, Sheryl, Davy, all of them! Straight to the trash with you all! Also, Malcolm, Aiden's friend, what a misogynist a**hole! I have to assume all of these other characters are bad to make Aiden look even better, but I sure hated them! They constantly bring Maggie down by crapping on her looks and her clothes and how she chooses to live her life! Yardley does a good job writing these characters in despicable ways, but gosh, I hated them. And Aiden's mom? I know someone like this in real life! Can you imagine being as clueless and selfish and rude as that?! It's deeply disturbing that his mom goes out of her way to hurt her son when he wants nothing but the best for her. I am glad what happens at the end happens.
"Role Playing" is definitely worth reading! Check it out!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Cathy Yardley for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I really enjoyed "Role Playing" by Cathy Yardley! I love the middle age representation in this book -- more of this in romantic fiction, I am begging you! I loved the main characters, Maggie (48) and Aiden (50). They are two super relatable, nerdy people who thrive separately and together in their mutual geekiness. They have both been burned in the past and are wary and guarded. Some may call them immature characters, but I disagree. Just because someone likes to play video games doesn't make them immature. Maggie is the kind of friend you want to have in your life. When some not-so-pleasant things happen to Aiden later in the book, Maggie stands up for him in a way that all allies should stand up for their friends. She gives no f**ks and doesn't care who she disappoints: if you hurt her friend, you have to deal with her. She's grumpy, sure, but it wholly fits her character. I love it when ladies get to be grumpy! And Aiden... sweet, cinnamon roll-y Aiden. My god, I'd do anything for him. I love how organically their friendship grows from online to in real life, and then when they become friends in real life, they eventually, slowly, become more. Swoony! It takes a while for the spice to start, but I think it's worth the wait. And speaking of online, this is a book where the miscommunications that occur online actually make sense and fit into the story. Aiden assumes Maggie is in her 80s, while Maggie thinks Aiden is in his 20s. Because they never discussed their ages online, when they meet in real life, it's a shock that they are so close in age. Sparks instantly fly, it just takes them a while to do something with them (which again, makes sense within the context of the story because Aiden is demisexual! Yay!). This story isn't all about healers and guilds and fractured feet and cooking international cuisine. It also contains some heavy discussions about empty nesting, bullying, demisexuality, homophobia/biphobia, outing, abuse, racism, and family trauma. There is A LOT going on in this story, so much so that I think it suffers a little from the load it has to carry. Yardley is trying to do a lot within a short amount of time, and I think some of the information is glossed over a bit as a result. My chief complaint about the book is that most of the side characters are downright awful, terrible people. Deb, Sheryl, Davy, all of them! Straight to the trash with you all! Also, Malcolm, Aiden's friend, what a misogynist a**hole! I have to assume all of these other characters are bad to make Aiden look even better, but I sure hated them! They constantly bring Maggie down by crapping on her looks and her clothes and how she chooses to live her life! Yardley does a good job writing these characters in despicable ways, but gosh, I hated them. And Aiden's mom? I know someone like this in real life! Can you imagine being as clueless and selfish and rude as that?! It's deeply disturbing that his mom goes out of her way to hurt her son when he wants nothing but the best for her. I am glad what happens at the end happens.
"Role Playing" is definitely worth reading! Check it out!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Cathy Yardley for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Biphobia, Outing, Emotional abuse, Racism, and Bullying
a_ab's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was a delightful surprise. Complex, diverse, adult characters with realistic lives, decisions and thoughts! It's so rare, I spent most of the book waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. And. It. Never. Did!
How freaking amazing is that!?
These characters know who they are and what they want - as they should by their age (around 50). They understand when they mess up. And own up to it when they do. They respect each other's boundaries and choices. They talk thing out openly and directly. They support each other in meaningful ways. They develop their relationship meaningfully and organically, yet fully intentionally.
Seriously, this is a mythical unicorn of a book.
I can't believe I am saying this, but this is going on my all times favorites shelf.
My only, albeit tiny, disappointment came with the epilogue, which was too short and not very meaningful.
Instead of briefly seeing these characters on a random happy day, I would have preferred a longer glimpse into their marriage - the shorthand they developed for dealing with the rougher patches of their lives together, the added depth of their connection strengthened by years of shared experiences.
How freaking amazing is that!?
These characters know who they are and what they want - as they should by their age (around 50). They understand when they mess up. And own up to it when they do. They respect each other's boundaries and choices. They talk thing out openly and directly. They support each other in meaningful ways. They develop their relationship meaningfully and organically, yet fully intentionally.
Seriously, this is a mythical unicorn of a book.
I can't believe I am saying this, but this is going on my all times favorites shelf.
My only, albeit tiny, disappointment came with the epilogue, which was too short and not very meaningful.
Instead of briefly seeing these characters on a random happy day, I would have preferred a longer glimpse into their marriage - the shorthand they developed for dealing with the rougher patches of their lives together, the added depth of their connection strengthened by years of shared experiences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, and Outing
Moderate: Dementia and Misogyny
morrigan_gaines_writes's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
**I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion**
I'm going to have to be vague so I don't spoil anything, but this was a pleasantly surprising 5 star read! I absolutely want to read more from this author!
First off, the miscommunication trope in this book is done right! It is believable, not drawn out, and still allows for a build in the relationship. Usually miscommunication aggravates me but this was perfection. I knew about 35% in that this book was going to be at least 4 stars, but the next 65% shot it into 5 star territory.
This is a fabulous cozy read because while the characters have their own personal growth and issues going on, the relationship drama is low key. Most of the trouble is with them overcoming their own internal dialogues and dealing with their families. I loved seeing how each character grew on their own and how they communicated with each other. The end made me feel cozy, happy, and satisfied. It was everything I'd want from a romance.
One of the characters gets to learn new things about themselves in relation to their sexuality and the other MC is amazingly supportive in explaining things. I was so excited to see a character that represented a part of myself finally in a romance novel. The MC I am referring to resonated from early on with me.
This is fairly low spice but a fantastic slow burn. There is also some initial online razzing/bullying that is quickly nipped in the bud. If you're familiar with gaming culture at all then you'll also like this book as their relationship starts off online.
Trigger warnings would include; homophobia, queerphobia, and public outing of an individual.
I'm going to have to be vague so I don't spoil anything, but this was a pleasantly surprising 5 star read! I absolutely want to read more from this author!
First off, the miscommunication trope in this book is done right! It is believable, not drawn out, and still allows for a build in the relationship. Usually miscommunication aggravates me but this was perfection. I knew about 35% in that this book was going to be at least 4 stars, but the next 65% shot it into 5 star territory.
This is a fabulous cozy read because while the characters have their own personal growth and issues going on, the relationship drama is low key. Most of the trouble is with them overcoming their own internal dialogues and dealing with their families. I loved seeing how each character grew on their own and how they communicated with each other. The end made me feel cozy, happy, and satisfied. It was everything I'd want from a romance.
One of the characters gets to learn new things about themselves in relation to their sexuality and the other MC is amazingly supportive in explaining things. I was so excited to see a character that represented a part of myself finally in a romance novel. The MC I am referring to resonated from early on with me.
This is fairly low spice but a fantastic slow burn. There is also some initial online razzing/bullying that is quickly nipped in the bud. If you're familiar with gaming culture at all then you'll also like this book as their relationship starts off online.
Trigger warnings would include; homophobia, queerphobia, and public outing of an individual.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Outing