** Thank you to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the chance to read The Only Game in Town in exchange for my honest review. **

I love reading aloud to my kids for many reasons, not the least of which is that I get to read middle-grade novels. Sometimes, I feel like adult novels repeat the same plot lines again....and again....and again. Meanwhile, children's novels are often whimsical, creative, and exciting. One of my favorite read-alouds was Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein, which was essentially Willy Wonka meets a library. I loved reading about all the quirky gadgets that Mr. Lemoncello built. It was just plain fun.

I mention the Mr. Lemoncello series because Lacie Waldon's new book, The Only Game in Town, gives off serious Willy Wonka/Lemoncello vibes. In the book, the town of Redford is mourning the loss of their town benefactor, Jasper Wilhelm. Redford is the kind of small town where everyone knows everyone, and Jasper loved it with all of his heart. In fact, unbeknownst to the town, he and his grandson, Carter, had been anonymously donating money and scholarships to deserving town residents for years. Despite his constant invitations to visit, though, Jasper could never convince Carter to visit Redford himself.

Jasper was incredibly wealthy, and he used his vast resources to improve the town in many ways. It was no surprise that the entire town showed up to his funeral. Even Carter drove down from Atlanta in order to pay his respects. After the service, Jasper's lawyer and the executor of his will, Novak, stood in front of the crowd and announced that Jasper was going to leave a $10 million fortune to two town residents. He paired up the residents into teams and announced that there would be a series of competitions to determine who would inherit the money. Much to his surprise, Carter was among the participants. Once the teams were announced, however, the town residents quickly realized that Jasper had something up his sleeve. Each pair consisted of partners who did not get along. From Luanne and Sally, who ran competing baking businesses, to Retta & Louisa, whose fight over a boy in high school extended into adulthood, no one wanted to work with their assigned partner. However, Jasper made this a requirement for the game, so each resident was required to put up with his or her assigned partner or forfeit the money.

The day Carter arrived in town, he had the pleasure of meeting Jessica Reid, or Jess for short. Jess is vivacious and fun-- the kind of person who lights up any room she walks into. She was a gifted editor who turned down a flashy job in New York City in order to live in Redford. Now, she edits romance novels and occasionally wonders what her life would have been like if she had been editing best sellers instead. Carter meets her at a bar, where she is half-heartedly attempting to edit a novel, Then, her lifelong enemy, Nikki, walks into the bar. Jess thinks Nikki doesn't like her because Nikki believes she kissed her boyfriend in high school. In reality, Nikki is jealous of the relationship Jess has with her dad, Ross. The encounter ends with Nikki's friend, Lexi, dumping a daiquiri on Jess's keyboard, which prompts Carter to "save" her by leaving the bar with her. Carter, who is impeccably dressed but predictable and muted in his personality, finds himself agreeing to a tour of the town. As he starts to fall for the enigmatic Jess, he doesn't want to tell her that he and Jasper were behind the scholarship that put her through school.

As the game begins, Jess finds herself paired with Nikki, and Carter is paired with the friendly bartender, Bryce. As the competition goes on, Jess develops an important reason that drives her desire to win the money. With $10 million on the line, will the teams be able to work together to complete Jasper's cooky challenges? Or, will their differences tear Redford apart?

The Only Game in Town is a lighthearted read filled with adventure, crazy challenges, endearing characters, and a dose of terrible reality television. Jess's character is cute to the extreme, almost to the point where you could call her childlike. This bothered many other reviewers, but I liked it. You just have to go into this book realizing that it's like reading the script to a Hallmark movie. Even though The Only Game in Town is listed as a romance, I would consider it more of a contemporary fiction book with romantic elements. Jess and Carter's feelings toward one another grow throughout the book, but their relationship feels too juvenile to consider it a romance. Instead, it feels like a grown-up version of Mr. Lemoncello's library. Honestly, that's what endeared me to this book. I have been reading a lot of heavy books lately, and The Only Game in Town felt like a palate cleanser that left me feeling happy and optimistic. If you want to leave the serious books behind and read something that makes you feel good, it is a perfect selection. For that reason alone, I gave it four stars.

It hurts me to say i did not like this! ugh, i have really enjoyed lacie's other books but this was all over the place. It really wasn't that focused on the romance, which i thought it would be. that's why i requested and went to read this one. but also, there were way too many POVs that werent needed and the story just felt all over the place. it started off really well and then just fell off.

I HATE WRITING BAD REVIEWS. it hurts my heart really so bad :( and i wanted to love this book so badly so it hurts even worse :( but okay - let’s get into it.

at the beginning (aka reading the cover copy lol), i was so into this. the concept felt like it had the potential to bring the inheritance games vibes to a small town, hart of dixie type setting. which to me is an absolute DREAM.

but then something terrible happened and this book fell so short of its potential. first, this has way too many characters and even worse a few of these characters had (very unnecessary) pov chapters.

the romance was just not romancing. there was a lack of chemistry and also just a lack of real scenes between the two leads considering we were navigating through a bazillion plot points and other characters all the time. she was immature, he was a little boring. i wish i felt more sparks :(

and the villain was such a caricature it was hard to deal with and the main character is so slut-shamey towards her. justice for annoying blonde women we love you!!!

this was a hard one to get through speed wise and was so unbelievable in the plot i couldn’t really suspend my disbelief.

the writing itself had some potential so i won’t be writing this author off forever, but i can not (unfortunately!!!) recommend this one to you.

honestly 2 stars only feels right because i think this book will work for some people (people who are NOT me because I might have rated it lower)

Do you love small town romance ..then this is for you. This story is set in a quirky small town that full is of some pretty color characters. I mean it starts out with Jasper whom is the towns secret fairy godfather who hatches a plan to have the whole town participate in a crazy scavenger hunt to win his inheritance after is passing. Jasper pairs all the towns people with some they have a issue with. This read was a welcomed escape from every day life each time that I picked it up. What can I say I'm also a sucker for dual pov and this one has it and then some. I wouldn't call this one a romance book more of a contemporary read.

While it took me absolutely forever to get through this book, it was enjoyable and entertaining, but still left something to be desired.

The story, which revolves around Jess Reid and her small town of Redford, is highly unbelievable. I see the ultimate intent behind the story, but it's very very hard to believe that a dying old man would want his town's residents to have a pie eating contest and keep their hand on a wall to battle it out for 10 million dollars.

The ultimate goal of the story, to bring the town's residents together and help them get over differences and internal feuds, is a great foundation for a book, but I definitely think it could have been accomplished in other ways.

As I said, while I was reading it, I was entertained, but I found myself falling asleep every time I was reading, so it took me foooooooorever to get through the book. Maybe I'm too picky, or maybe it's just not for me, but this wasn't it.

I adore Lacie Waldon. Her books are always quick, light, and adventurous. "The Only Game in Town" follows that trend. I found the characters lovable, the side characters interesting, and the plot entertaining.

I loved the competition between the characters of the town (I'm a sucker for competition). I love Jasper's final wishes and the tricks he has planned for the town once he's finally left this Earth. I couldn't help but laugh at the antics and appreciate the opportunity to fall in love with characters again.

The Only Game in Town was a little off-beat, but it worked for me! I enjoyed the elements of friendship, the light romance, and the scavenger hunt game. A fun read!

Nothing ever changes in Redford, Georgia. That's what freelance editor Jess Reid loves about her hometown—and part of what keeps her from leaving. Content taking care of her father, a car mechanic who singlehandedly raised her after her mom skipped out, Jess is resigned to a safe, unremarkable existence...until Jasper Wilhelm, the town’s eccentric benefactor, dies suddenly and leaves behind the opportunity of a lifetime.

Financial advisor Carter Barclay has been too busy to visit his grandfather in Redford, but he’s heard countless stories about the town and its zany residents from Jasper. A small, insular town in Georgia is the last place Carter expects to be spending his summer—but it seems his grandfather had one final trick up his sleeve.

At the funeral, it’s revealed that Jasper has devised a massive, high-stakes game for the people of Redford, with the winning duo taking home his entire fortune. The catch? He’s already taken the liberty of pairing them up. As tensions of all kinds rise between Jess and Carter, and the life-changing prize looms closer, the two must decide what they’re willing to risk to change their lives. A love story full of spirit and hijinks, The Only Game in Town is a funny, quirky homage to the people we get to call home.

Pick this one up if you're looking for Gilmore Girls esque quirky small town vibes and a sweet romance. The characters in this one were really wonderful, and even the "villains" get thoughtful development.

I picked this up because I loved Lacie Waldon's release last year - it was so good - and I was hoping for another home run. Unfortunately this was a bit all over the place and did not have as much romance as I expected.

I read the first and second halves of the book a couple weeks apart and I'll admit I definitely felt the book more that second time. I've been reading a ton of small town romances lately, so I thought the premise sounded like a silly, yet grand time. The competition just never fully had me invested - I like how it ended and could easily tell what the town's unofficial mayor was trying to accomplish after his death, but it was a bit of a rough ride to get there. The mixed POVs from a variety of characters threw me off but grew on me by the end - especially as some of the characters grew throughout the game.

Overall I enjoyed the book, but wanted more romance and less random POVs from many characters. I continued to enjoy Lacie Waldon's writing and look forward to her next book.

This book had potential, but it fell flat for me. Set in small town Georgia, it focuses on the competition amongst the town’s residents for a recently deceased resident’s fortune as laid out in his will. Each resident is paired up with someone with whom they have fought in the past, and it becomes obvious that this game is designed to be a set up to mend relationships. The deceased’s grandson, who is visiting from Atlanta, is also a player in the game, despite having never visited this small town previously.
While I’m not opposed to reading stories without a twist, this book lacked depth. It was told through multiple POV, and I think a single POV would have helped show more growth amongst the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I love Lacie's book. I was hesitant to request this one. I loved her first book but was really let down by From The Jump. I ended up not finishing it. But this book was great. I love that Lacie writes a unique story and I felt so connected to the characters.

This book was SO. MUCH. FUN. I love a small town setting, but especially when we really get to see the characters of the town. This delivered on that for sure. Adding in the game was a fun way to get to know everyone and added such an interesting plot. This is a solid feel good book that could be a Hallmark movie.

I loved this fun story about Redford and its kooky inhabitants. When the town's benefactor dies, his will leaves his fortune to the townspeople--but they must complete a series of challenges to win it.

I liked that we got more than just the POV of the male and female leads. There were chapters from the POVs of Jess's father and nemesis, as well. It gave the book some nice depth beyond the love story. I loved all of the side characters! It would be fun to see more books in the same small town.

While I missed Lacie Waldon's usual exotic locations, I enjoyed what she did with this small-town setting. It's certainly different from her previous novels, but just as entertaining.

I enjoyed this book. Rat race meets, sweet home alabama? Kind of. Cute and sweet. Lacked a little depth for me but still a decent read. Not my absolute favorite from Lacie but still enjoyed it.

4.5⭐️ The Only Game in Town by @allaboutthat_lace is such a cute story of a town coming together after one of its members has passed. Nothing like a game where you can win $10 million dollars, even if you are paired up with your sworn enemy! I really enjoyed the narration and it was just a quick, cute listen. You will fall in love with these characters. It's just a feel good, make you smile story.

I really enjoy Lace Waldon books. I was thrilled to receive and advanced copy of this one too. This book reminded me so much of Gilmore Girls....maybe it was the setting or the characters, but I immediately was drawn in. Told from multiple POV, this story quickly draws you in with its kaleidoscope of characters and wacky premise. Jasper Wilhelm is the town's millionaire, and upon his death, leaves the town 10 million dollars. Of course there is a twist, they townspeople must compete for the money! Carter, Jasper's grandson, is in town to oversee the last of Jasper's personal business. He soon meets Jess, our local heroine. They do have an immediate connection, but are soon paired against each other in the competition. There are a slew of other characters, some charming, some not so much (NiKki!), but this book tells the story in a really fun and entertaining way. I won't give spoilers away of the ending, but it was a quick and run read that will keep you entertained. People aren't always who you think they are and a little friendly competition never hurt anyone!

3.5/5 stars

Thank you Netgalley, Lacie Waldon, and publishers for gifting me a copy of The Only Game in Town in return for my honest opinion.

2/5

This was unfortunately a DNF for me at the 45% mark. I do not enjoy more than two perspectives when reading, my mind can not keep up with it and this one had 4. I know some people love them but they are just not for me and my ADHD brain.

The unfortunate part is that the plot was decent and I can see what I read being a really fantastic plot for a movie, or a tv show. Some of the characters were very over the top which didn't help with the multiple POVs.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

This was a sweet small town romance. The focus on the games being played by the town kept the plot interesting, and the characters are likable. I do feel like the attempts to make Jess “quirky” were a bit overdone and got close to being “not like other girls.” The chemistry between Jess and Carter was OK, but I wasn’t as immersed in their relationship as I should’ve been considering it’s the entire point of the book.

There is a sick parent trope that I wasn’t a huge fan of. The illness is very vague and apparently terminal, but of course the terminal illness can be reversed with money? I’ve never been a big fan of author’s using cancer as a convenient plot twist, especially when it’s so obviously JUST there to add in a “sad” element.

DNF at 20%. I went into this book without knowing much and was SO excited when I learned the premise. I LOOOOOOOVE eccentric rich person leaves inheritance in a game stories!!!!!! However, this one really didn’t work for me. I’m finding most of the characters in the town super annoying and our love interests have barely interacted and I’m 20% into the book. Not for me. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

This book is fun. I loved the small town setting, the drama among the townsfolk, and the ridiculous game to win 10 million dollars left by the eccentric town benefactor. Jess is the main main character and she’s lived in Redford her whole life only being away for a short amount of town in college after winning a scholarship. She loves the town, it’s people and it’s silliness. When Carter, the benefactor’s grandson, comes to town for the funeral and the game he gets swept up in everything and feels like his grandfather was setting him up. It’s just a game but the prize money is real so you know that old saying “alls fair in love and war” and it’s about to get intense especially when the teams are announced.

I loved that it had multiple POVs throughout the story with Jess being the main one. She’s a great character and truly cares about her family, the townsfolk and the community. Carter was a buttoned up character who has a good heart he kept hidden away and Jess and the town definitely brought it out. To me the romance angle was secondary to the whole charades of the game and the townsfolk drama which I throughly enjoyed.


Thank you @putnambooks and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.