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A review by standingtreereads
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
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
5.0
I had been reading a lot of mystery and thriller type books recently and decided to head back to my other favorite genre—romance. After the rather abysmal experience I had with First to Fall by Jenny B. Jones and the obvious lack of knowledge or research into video games and the industry that went into it, I was very hesitant to pick this up.
But man, this went leagues above my expectations! Let’s break it down!
Characters « 9.5 »
••• Maggie is what I strive to be at almost-fifty. Period. Loved her. And I loved Aiden almost as much.
••• Was a little disappointed with the “big dude, small woman” trope but it made a lot more sense than most romances with the same trope.
••• Even the side characters were well-thought out and didn’t feel like just filler. Rosita & Maggie reminded me a lot of myself and my best friend. A true portrayal of what best friendship is like as an adult.
Atmosphere « 7 »
••• I found myself a little sad with the lack of actual in-game description but I get why it was omitted.
••• The emotions were vivid. Felt anxious, angry, etc. when Maggie/Aiden did.
Writing « 8.5 »
••• Easy to follow, but I’m a gamer. Some lingo might be difficult to understand for non-gamers.
Plot « 10 »
••• Loved the gaming aspect, obviously.
••• Only complaint was how long it took Maggie & Aiden to meet IRL.
Intrigue « 10 »
••• Couldn’t put it down. Enough said.
Logic « 10 »
••• Everything felt real. Like it could be a real couple’s story.
Enjoyment « 10 »
••• Bit of a slow start but it picks up and doesn’t stop. Lovely. So happy for them.
But man, this went leagues above my expectations! Let’s break it down!
Characters « 9.5 »
••• Maggie is what I strive to be at almost-fifty. Period. Loved her. And I loved Aiden almost as much.
••• Was a little disappointed with the “big dude, small woman” trope but it made a lot more sense than most romances with the same trope.
••• Even the side characters were well-thought out and didn’t feel like just filler. Rosita & Maggie reminded me a lot of myself and my best friend. A true portrayal of what best friendship is like as an adult.
Atmosphere « 7 »
••• I found myself a little sad with the lack of actual in-game description but I get why it was omitted.
••• The emotions were vivid. Felt anxious, angry, etc. when Maggie/Aiden did.
Writing « 8.5 »
••• Easy to follow, but I’m a gamer. Some lingo might be difficult to understand for non-gamers.
Plot « 10 »
••• Loved the gaming aspect, obviously.
••• Only complaint was how long it took Maggie & Aiden to meet IRL.
Intrigue « 10 »
••• Couldn’t put it down. Enough said.
Logic « 10 »
••• Everything felt real. Like it could be a real couple’s story.
Enjoyment « 10 »
••• Bit of a slow start but it picks up and doesn’t stop. Lovely. So happy for them.