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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: Biphobia, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Racism, and Outing
a_ab's review against another edition
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, Homophobia, Sexism, Outing, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Misogyny and Dementia
morrigan_gaines_writes's review against another edition
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
shorthannah's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Outing
mymoonlittbr's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Outing
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Acephobia/Arophobia
shector1's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Outing
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Cancer, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
becphe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
fast-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
4.0
A sweet mature rom-com with loveable characters and relatable struggles.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
litlifeguide's review against another edition
4.0
Really appreciated reading a romance that had “older” people in it. The MCs are in their late forties, which was nice to see! Also appreciated that our MCs weren’t like ridiculously hot, just average people, and was happy with the Bi/Demi representation included.
Gaming makes up a lot of this story, and it’s just not something I’m really interested in. I didn’t really feel any connection to it, but overall liked this one, and thought it was cute.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Outing
Minor: Death of parent
bookedinsideout's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Outing
Moderate: Bullying, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Abandonment
Minor: Cancer, Racism, and Death of parent
Acephobia: When the main character tries to explain to a woman that he's not attracted to people in general, she brushes it off by saying he doesn't have to make something up because he doesn't like her.elfit's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
slow-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
4.25
I'm going to reiterate what other reviewers have said, stick with it. It starts out slow, providing a background to understand the characters, what they have been through, what they currently are going through, setting the stage to their inevitable meeting. And once they meet, it's adorable, comforting, and very powerful. The small town growing up Asian-American in a predominantly white area, influenced by old, stale grudges and deciding that you no longer care what others say to you was very powerful, and though Maggie is a bit more hermit than I am I felt that I connected with her very well. There were many times when my heart went out to Aiden, what he was going through, what his mother put him through but his growth and his healing was comforting.
This cover is very cute, it is part of what drew me to this book, and this arc. I went in thinking I would read a comfy, easy contemporary romance. But don't let this cover fool you. There is growth, a lot of baggage (and some trauma) and a whole lot of don't care/live my life Bogwitch energy.
If you want older romantic leads, Asian-American representation in a small town, LGBTQ+, and a cathartic HEA come find this book.
This cover is very cute, it is part of what drew me to this book, and this arc. I went in thinking I would read a comfy, easy contemporary romance. But don't let this cover fool you. There is growth, a lot of baggage (and some trauma) and a whole lot of don't care/live my life Bogwitch energy.
If you want older romantic leads, Asian-American representation in a small town, LGBTQ+, and a cathartic HEA come find this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Racism, Death of parent, and Outing