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A review by timetotalkbeauty
Single Player by Tara Tai
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
‘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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia