Both of our main characters have family issues. Farren is the middle child of seven and always felt like she was ignored and got lost in the shuffle. Sebastian is an only child of older parents- who were surprised by the pregnancy- and felt like he couldn’t connect with them. This leads to both of them not talking to or seeing their families often. Other factors also played into their leaving their respective hometowns and ending up in DC.

While there was mention of multiple board games, some that even I have never heard of, I would’ve liked more. It felt like we kind of lost that aspect of the book towards the middle.

Did Sebastian apologize? Yes. Do I think it was enough after what he said? No. Definitely not enough for Farren to immediately take him back after said apology. He was an asshole. He himself admits that he “attacked her character” but to me it was so much more than that. I understand he was under a lot of pressure at work and stressed out, especially after what happened in his past. However, I still don’t think it excuses him essentially belittling her and taking out his frustrations on her.

I liked their relationship a lot more towards the beginning of the book. It seemed like Farren was showing Sebastian that work didn’t have to be his whole life. Then he screwed it all up and honestly, I don’t think the redemption was big enough. Oh well.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

It is a captivating contemporary romance novel that entwines the alternating perspectives of our main characters, Sebastian and Farren. This delightful tale have the grumpy x sunshine trope, presenting readers with a heartwarming meet cute and an immediate, undeniable attraction between the protagonists.

One of the aspect of this novel, which I like is the incorporation of board and card games that I personally love, such as "Here to Slay." The games serve as a fun backdrop for the characters to bond and explore their shared interests, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for board game enthusiasts. I wanna know what was the game they were playing on the Night they met.

The author does an excellent job of infusing the story with a dash of spice, making the romance sizzle while remaining tasteful and heartfelt. Moreover, the representation of a plus-size main female character added depth and authenticity to the narrative, which I appreciated. The author handles this aspect of the story with sensitivity and authenticity, highlighting the protagonist's inner beauty and emphasizing that self-love and confidence come in all shapes and sizes.

While romance plays a significant role, "Playing for Keeps" deviates from traditional romance novels by placing a stronger emphasis on personal growth and character development. The author masterfully explores how traumas from childhood, be it from family or friends, can deeply impact an individual's growth, self-esteem, and confidence. This exploration adds depth and authenticity to the characters, allowing readers to truly connect with their struggles and triumphs.

As the narrative unfolds, Sebastian and Farren's journey toward healing and self-discovery takes center stage. Their personal growth becomes the driving force, and the romance acts as a catalyst for their transformation. This emphasis on personal development rather than solely the romance aspect sets "Playing for Keeps" apart, making it a refreshing and compelling read.

I really really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately I just didn’t 😔 The premise is so cute and has such promise but the execution just really fell short for me. A lot of both MCs internal struggles just didn’t seem realistic to me - especially with Farren - with that type of emotional trauma it didn’t feel like the actuality of her history warranted it? And then with Farren’s feelings towards her family we’re SO back and forth, especially the visit home. One minute glad she came back and realizing her feelings had been wrong about them and then all the sudden she’s crying and angry about it again. A lot of their internal thoughts seemed jumbled and out of place.

I also feel like there wasn’t reason enough for them to wait so many months to have sex? Like, the reasons that they had felt very flimsy and really only brought up like one time, it just didn’t make sense to me. (Unless one or both of them was on the ace spectrum, which they weren’t).

Overall the characters just didn’t make sense to me, and the pacing was off, the time just weird and very much telling versus showing.

The board games sold me and I'm not disappointed in the slightest. with the characters or plot or the use of board games. The romance between Farren and Sebastian was soooo good and so cute. Especially their first meeting and the banter. The body positivity was also a huge plus to this book and Farren. Would definitely recommend it to my colleagues and friends in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

There was so much potential in this one - I was very excited for the board gaming context! When Farren and Sebastian first met and battled it out over a croissant I was sure this book would speak to me.

Sadly I think it went flat from there, as the tension and chemistry between the two disappeared and it moved into a gentle story without the zestiness initially teased.

The story was sweet, but lacked the little extra fire to keep me hooked - I needed more clever banter, cheeky game playing. I struggled with the complication because there wasn’t enough “meat” beforehand to make me believe it. I think some of the descriptions and internal monologuing could have been swapped out for more character interaction.

In short: loved any time games were involved, and the meet cute. Struggled with the complication. Will suit romance readers who don’t want any surprises to the formula!

The second I found out the FMC was plus size I was all in. It did not disappoint! I enjoyed Farren and her heart and I understand the way she felt about certain things, and her family. I wasn’t sure about Sebastian at first, and I was worried I wouldn’t like him, but he proved me wrong. The pull and chemistry they had together was so good. They both had things they were dealing with alone, but were safe spaces for one another. No matter how much they try to convince one another they don’t deserve something, the other proved them wrong. A lot of growing together and self reflection & growth, which I really admired too. I loved the whole game aspect of everything and some parts of their story had me laughing out loud.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Country Press for the advanced copy.

A cozy romance perfect for a fast summer read. The chemistry between the main characters was easy and natural. Watching their love grow was very cute.

This book has me at "board games".

Crone has written a very impressive debut romance novel. Farren and Sebastian really pulled it together.

I could see this as a Hallmark movie.

Thank you to Lake Country Press & Review and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I love how board games come into play. It was a unique aspect of the book that I hadn't seen before. I loved the body positivity and how the main character didn't make the fact that she's plus side her entire personality and that she wasn't self conscious about it at all. She just existed as plus side in the book and it made it feel so much more normal. I liked the romance in this. I didn't absolutely love it. Sebastian as a character did annoy me, but he was kind of meant to be annoying. Overall, it was a fun romance to read!

A great read, the story of Farren and Sebastian. They meet in a coffee shop when she is at games night with her friends. The last pastry leads to a bet, so will they have a future together? Looking forward to more books from this.

Playing for Keeps is Tristen Crone’s debut romance novel. It tells the story of Farren, a young teacher that doesn’t have all her life figured out yet and spends her free time playing board games with her group of friends. On the other hand, there’s Sebastian, the love interest that spends all his time working to climb the ladder in his workplace and doesn’t have that much free time.

At first for me this book promised a rivalry between two opposing characters in which board games would come into action so OF COURSE I was excited to read about it. Maybe it was my mistake for assuming something that wasn’t spelled in so many words, but a girl can hope and dream. That’s why I think the synopsis was a bit misleading to the reader, the book coming as a little bit flat after the first encounter between the main characters.

I really liked Farren and I was rooting for her at all times to be honest, and her group of friends brought some really entertaining scenes to the story. Sebastian on the other hand was a bit exaggerated for me as a character, don’t get me wrong I love grumpy men but in this case it felt like too much. To the point that it didn’t make sense, and the third act argument that he had with Farren was so over the top. The grand gesture was good tho, but it didn’t make me feel as excited after what transpired between them.

*ARC kindly provided by Lake Country Press & Review via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet meet-cute featuring a curvy sunshine and a grumpy app/program developer.

Though I love the cozy romance, I adore the gaming theme! It's so rare for board games to be a primary focus and not something that's simply mentioned as an activity.

And the grand gesture was absolutely everything!

This book was so good. They are both just such lonely people and then they happened to find each other. Seeing how he altered his daily routine to fit her in even though that was hard for him was so sweet. They just love each other so much. Also the third act break up is soooo good. I know people don't like those but this was just filled with the right amount of angst and tension and I just loved it.

I received an arc through netgalley.

“You’re the most alive person I’ve ever met. You’re bright and creative and you make me lose myself in your eyes when they light up in excitement.”

I am a convention professional. I’ve worked for my cousin’s company at Gen Con (the biggest table top game convention in the US) since 2013 and I’ve worked PAX East twice. It was so fun to read a book with a focus on games and mentioned cons I’ve been to! It felt different than a lot of other romances, which made this a quick, delightful read.

Farren projects confidence while dealing with not fitting into society’s ideals. She’s always been a wandered, following relationships and job-hopping often. Sebastian is overworked and convinced the only way to prove himself is to work hard and earn promotions. A chance meeting has them both reevaluating their lives to see how the other can fit in.

I loved Farren’s character. I love her development and seeing her find her confidence. She has always felt a bit adrift and never holding down a permanent job. It’s clear her passion lies elsewhere, but she’s kept it a secret from all of her friends and it takes Sebastian to bring her ideas to fruition. Their relationship develops so organically and it never feels forced. She’s also fabulous plus-size representation. Her figure is detailed in her chapters, but not once do we fall into fat shaming or fat phobia which was really refreshing. It’s just used as a descriptor for her and is never used in a derogatory way.

Sebastian clearly falls hard for Farren, and I adored the chapters from his perspective. He is stuck in the corporate world, feeling like that’s the only thing he can do to prove himself. A moment that stuck out to me was a part where his boss compliments that he’s been working outside of normal hours, and it really highlights how toxic corporate culture can be. And he doesn’t realize it until his relationship with Farren is in jeopardy. His journey is great, and when he finally talks to his parents, it’s a beautiful moment.

I wish we got a little more detail and resolution with Farren and her family, but it did provide a good insight into her character and why she tends to overthink. It just fell like a blip in the plot and didn’t serve to advance the overall story. That said, this was such a cute read, perfect for summer!

Playing for Keeps by Tristen Crone is a heartwarming romance that exceeded my expectations. Inspired by the Reylo trope, the book introduces readers to Farren and Sebastian, one of the most adorable grumpy x sunshine couples I have encountered in the romance genre. Their dynamic as opposites who bring out the best in each other is beautifully portrayed, making this a must-read for fans of this trope.

The romance between Farren and Sebastian unfolds in the most tender and captivating way as they navigate through the challenges of life. I found myself rooting for their love story as they faced their own personal demons and found solace and support in each other's arms.

Farren is an incredibly relatable character who is trying her best to live her life despite its complexities. With relatable struggles, family baggage, self-esteem issues, and a people-pleasing personality, Farren's journey is a recipe for disaster, but she remains endearing and resilient throughout.

Sebastian, on the other hand, initially embodies a dismissive and work-focused attitude. However, as the story progresses, we witness his transformation as Farren opens his eyes to the joys of living and challenges his perception of relationships. His journey from workaholic to someone who values human connection adds depth to the story.

The author's writing style is vivid and immersive, painting scenes so vividly that I felt like I was right there with the characters. Whether it was at the coffee shop, on a train, or walking alongside them, each setting was brought to life, enhancing my reading experience. Tristen Crone's debut is a testament to their talent, and I eagerly anticipate their future works.

I particularly appreciate the representation of plus-size characters in this book. Farren's character is beautifully crafted, and I applaud the author for promoting inclusivity. The meet-cute between Farren and Sebastian is charming, and Farren's boldness in inviting him to hang out with her friends adds a delightful touch to their blossoming romance. While the initial connection between them felt somewhat rushed, their chemistry and connection remained palpable throughout the story.

I wanted to read this book since I heard is inspired by Reylo, and it totally and exceeded my expectations. This book has one of the most adorable grumpy x sunshine couples that I have ever seen in a romance!! I’m sure people who love this trope will love to meet Farren and Sebastian. I loved the way they are opposites, but at the same time they are exactly what the other need. They challenge each other, but also evoke the best in themselves.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake City for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: toxic workplace, family tensions, fat phobia, anxiety

We all know I'm a big fan of seeing fat rep in romance and this was also had the added benefit of taking place in my backyard. It was great to see a DC romance that had nothing to do with politics and seemed to be inspired by one of my favorite bars.

Steam: 3

3.75

Love that both D&D and board games are quickly introduced in the book!

The two of them were fun together at first. Pacing got a bit difficult at around 55ish percent for me. It felt more like women’s fiction than romance.

Plot wise most everything felt as if it was a side story. If the relationship was the main focus I would have wanted more of a connection between them built prior to it falling apart, with more groveling in the end.

Overall still def worth the read. I loved the FMC!!

Including my Amazon profile link as the review has not posted yet as it is prior to the release date.

A book so nice, I read it twice!

If there was a Venn diagram of grumpy x sunshine, friends to lovers, and tabletop games, this book would be nestled right in the middle of it all. Yes it has a meet cute…but may I also float the idea of a meet cute fight? Because there’s an argument and it’s adorable.

The romance is soft, and blooms in the best way next to Farren and Sebastian navigating life.

Farren is so relatable. She’s out there trying to live her life and god is it hard and confusing and more trouble than anyone warned her about. But at least she’s got her regular session of games with her friends. She’s got family baggage and self esteem issues and a people pleasing personality. A recipe for a disaster.

Sebastian is in his life, and gives the energy of: ugh, this is it?? Games are a waste of time, until Farren turns his view around. He’s terrified to get close to people in relationships of the personal variety and the working variety, as well as being a workaholic because he got this far and there’s only one way up. A different kind of disaster.

They balance each other out, and when they’re communicating, about anything other than romance for a while, they’re great! They’re supportive, they’re rooting each other on as they chase and shape their dreams.

This book was as sweet as I imagine a twice baked lemon croissant to be. And just as delicious. Slow burn friends to lovers and the most adorable and hopeful ending. Well written, like I could picture myself there in every scene, at a different table at the coffee shop, or on a different seat on the train or walking just behind them. An incredible debut, and I can’t wait to see what else the author writes in the future. A book I will be picking up on publication day to add to my shelves.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Country Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Farren feels stuck in her life. Working a job she's not passionate about and constantly worrying about her future. Tristan is incredibly driven and focused but feels like he's not working towards a future.

These two strike up an unlikely friendship that leads to more. It quickly becomes serious and as life and work gets in the way, they have to find a way to make it through.

This was such a fun and slightly quirky read. I loved watching these two interact together as well as the friendship group that we see.

I also adored seeing the plus size representation as well as mental health representation.

They were a couple points that I kind of wish got expanded on further such as the games. I wish played a bigger part of the story than they actually do. Since they met at a game night and all it felt like it could have been more important.

But it was still a very fun romance read. I can definitely see myself picking up more about this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Expresso book tours for an arc of this in exchange for an honest review.