Loved this unique romance novel about video games. The queer rep is also well done. I was drawn into the book from the start until the very end—a quick read for me. Highly recommend!

This story grew on me as I read it. At first I had no idea how these two were supposed to fall in love, as they were hardly in the same room or alone together. Then you had this instinctual type of protectiveness slash envy from the boss.
I feel like it took a while for the romance to take off but I did enjoy all I learned about game making and the story building behind it all.
The big story of romance writing taking skill and creativity is really important.

Tara Tai’s Single Player delivers a delightful blend of workplace rivalry, romance, and the immersive world of video game development. This queer enemies-to-lovers debut centers on Cat Li, a spirited writer of romantic storylines, and Andi Zhang, her stoic and guarded boss. The narrative shines as a character-driven romance against the innovative and often high-pressure game design environment.

I feel like Tai skillfully navigates themes of trust, ambition, and vulnerability. Cat’s optimism and romantic ideals initially clash with Andi’s pragmatic, romance-averse mindset, creating sparks that slowly become heartfelt connections. The workplace tension feels authentic, grounded by the vivid backdrop of game development challenges, from creative differences to high-stakes corporate politics.

I genuinely loved this so much more than I initially thought I was going to.

Cringe moments aside, there was more about this to love than I expected. It's a **very** slow burn, with a lot of conflicting pining, 'will they/won't they' along the pages. It grabbed me early, kept me going and then at around 66% it grabbed my by the neck and kept me invested until I needed to finish it.

This was one of those instances were the interconnected plots paid off. It came off messy but in the way that I felt it emulated the chaos of real life and how small the world feels at times in communities like this. There was so much alive in this world, that I really didn't mind the slow burn. There was character development that both Cat and Andi needed to go through before they could get together. I really appreciated this different approach to their character arcs instead of giving us a third act breakup in the last 15 pages. Add a sprinkle of drama, because the gaming community totally lacks in that department(/s), and it gave me an ending that felt perfect for Cat and Andi.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As soon as the character went G's stands for money in gamer code I was out. Like I aint an idiot, this book was written in 2024 and aimed at an audience most likely who are 12 or older in 2025 and therefore would know what this means. I felt like the author was treating the audience as if they are a child and stupid and as if they are inferior like no, not for me.

This is a 4.5 for me. I loved this, it was so cute and fun and warmed my heart. I loved how nerdy both MCs were and the grumpy x sunshine dynamic between the two of them. I think between the two MCs Andi was my favorite. I just love Grumpy characters who are really just softies on the inside and the reason why Andi was "grumpy" was due to how the industry and those around them treated them. They were screwed over and used by their last company/mentor, the industry full of basement dwelling misogynists harassed them not just online but in real life. That would make anyone standoffish and grumpy. Which is why I loved Cat for them because that is exactly who Andi needed a sweet person who will also stand up and fight for them at the same time. Yes, Cat is a sweet and cheerful romantic, but she can and does stand up for herself and for those she cares about and even does that for Andi at a crucial moment that Andi really needed to see someone stand up for them. I also really enjoyed how nerdy they were. While I personally don't play any PC or Table games, I have lots of friends who do so for me as I was reading this book, I just felt like I was watching a romance between two of my good friends unfold and it was fun to watch.

Overall loved the book, characters, plot and writing and I think for a lot of nerds, queer or just plain romantics will enjoy this book.

This book is about Cat who lands the opportunity of a lifetime to be an intern on the writing team for an upcoming game writing the romance portion for some of the main character profiles. This is literally her dream as it combines her love of Games and romance together. So, it should be smooth sailing right... That is until she meets who boss who is none other than the infamous Andi Zhang who is not only arrogant but apparently a hates romance and love and sees no need for Cat input on the game. All Andi cares about is bringing to market an amazing game to show the industry they are a serious developer especially after everything that happened early on in their career resulting in them being doxed and harassed on the internet. Unfortunately, the man funding the game has other plans and thinks this game needs romance to target a growing female gamer demographic. This means that Cat and Andi will have to work together with their clashing personalities and ideas for the game and come up with something they can both be proud. That is if they can stay on track and ignore the growing heat and tension between the two of them. Especially as there are those who are trying to bring about the downfall of not just the game but Andi as well.

I received an ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

Cat and Andi are two chaotic, awkward potatoes and watching them fall in love is charming.

While this is being marketed as enemies-to-lovers, and it has the e-t-l vibes, I think it is more about these two being ridiculous every time they come into contact with each other. Which is perfect for me as a reader because I don’t love the enemies-to-lovers trope.

This was a fun world to get lost in. Everything from the workplace setting to the side characters made this a very immersive read. The last-minute villain story arc was exceptional and I loved the way things were resolved.

If you are looking for a queer, nerd reference heavy romance story, this might be the one for you.

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

this was delightful and definitely one of my favorite sapphic romances of the year! single player follows workplace rivals cat (she/her) and andi (they/she) as they're forced to team up to write potential romance plots for an upcoming, much-buzzed-about video game release. i'm not particularly a gaming nerd, so i'm sure a lot of the video game references in this book went over my head, but i still LOVED following characters working in video game development. i was so invested both in their romance and in the game they were helping write.

both characters have major guards up-- cat because of her lack of romantic history and her feelings that she isn't living up to the expectations of her parents and the people around her, and andi largely due to a previous doxxing scandal that changed her professional and personal life. because of this, it takes a while for these two to crack each others' defenses, which was kind of painful as a reader, but ultimately really rewarding, i think. i found cat very relatable (even when she did cause significant secondhand embarrassment), and while i didn't always find andi likeable, i understood their reasons for behaving the way they did. i also loved seeing a nonbinary love interest in a sapphic romance and would love to see more of that in the genre (selfishly, andi is the epitome of *~my type~* so obvi they were fun to read about). there is a side fake-dating plot that i didn't expect and that affected cat and andi's relationship dynamic in an interesting way. by the time the two main characters get together, i was fully rooting for them.

overall, i think this is an excellent debut that a lot of folks are going to enjoy as much as i did. i'd say this is a must-read for sapphic romance lovers and ga(y)mers alike.

i received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This was a really fun dual POV Sapphic grumpy x sunshine coworker romance debut that sees two women videogame designers forced to work together to come up with some new romantic storylines. Amazing on audio narrated by my very fav, Natalie Naudus, this had great women in STEM rep, lots of D&D gameplay, a cast of diverse, queer characters and the perfect amount of spice. Perfect for fans of authors like Cathy Yardley or Jeevani Charika. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you Alcove Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book.

First off, I gotta say I squealed when I read the “quote” ahead of chapter one. It’s a fake quote from Dragon Age: Inquisition from Varric to Dorian (two of my favourite characters) and I had JUST finished playing that game before I sat down and picked up this book.

I adored all the video game references as well as the D&D references. I loved how no game was too small, too insignificant. That all kinds of games were valid.

I loved how much Cat loved in-game romances. I was instantly drawn to her as a character because same, girl. Same. Her passion enveloped me and I was so excited for her and her journey through this book (her overuse of the term ‘normie’ notwithstanding).

Andi was harder for me to like, which is a shame because as a she/they nonbinary character, I wanted to adore them. She hates Cat for no discernible reason other than “writes romance” which, while I knew there was layers to that, rubbed me the wrong way. I know she had a lot of trauma and I felt that was well depicted, but it doesn’t excuse her behaviour.

The amount of times Andi behaves like an absolute ass, realises they’ve behaved like an ass, acknowledges to themself they should apologise, then doesn’t, is genuinely exhausting. It doesn’t matter if your apology comes hours or even days late. The apology for shitty behaviour still matters and not apologising just lets the other person think you don’t think much of them.

BUT Andi grew on me. Eventually. And I ended up really enjoying their slow burn romance.

This is a proper enemies to lovers romance, a slow burn with no quick fix. I highly recommend to any level gamers who love romance.

There is so much to love about this debut novel by Tara Tai. It is an interoffice, enemies-to-lovers romance, with both video games and D&D woven heavily into the plot. As I am a huge fan of both video games and D&D, I was pretty locked into this book.

The romance aspects were also pretty solid. And I even found some of the erotic imagery quite eloquent and tasteful. However, what I didn't love is that the main character, Cat, is like an emotional roller coaster. Her awkwardness is endearing, but her random mood swings left me cringing. It mostly clears up towards the end of the book, but at the beginning she presents as toxic and vehement—just very yuck.

Cat's unpleasant personality aside, this is a well-paced book with plenty of witty bits that left me smiling.

So,, don't be intimidated by the 55 chapters in this book as it was mostly short chapters and in a dual POV of both main characters.

The premise was interesting but sadly I just don't feel connected to this book, the characters and the story. Even the draggy slow burn felt unnecessary as it felt like the slow burn relationship only happens just to complete the ending.

There are also times I felt the gamers/nerds are feeling super interior over the ones who did not play game and Cat's cringiness makes it even insufferable.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for this eARC.

With the most delicious tension between the enemies-to-lovers main characters, Single Player will pull you deep into the gaming world and keep you turning pages even if you are not a gamer. So well written, so real it felt as if I were in the story with Cat and Andi. A fantastic debut!

I loved this so much. I love gamer romances and this is my first sapphic one! Did not disappoint. Super fun, super funny with lots of banter. Loved the writing, the pacing and I learnt alot about d&d!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. DNF at 12%. I will not be finishing this book. It is not for me. The characters have barely interacted and the story is not gripping me. I’m only reading and reviewing because it makes me and because I don’t want to hurt my feedback ratio.

This books is EVERYTHING! Really everything. It’s a boss/worker, rivals to friends to lovers, slow burn romance with a lot of sexual tension. I love it so much! But it’s also more than that. It’s a powerful reflection on videogame’s world: the sexism, the hateful revenge against women, the racism, the homophobia…
It’s a powerful book with a really wholesome love story.

Thank you Netgalley and the author for the arc.

Tara Tai's debut SINGLE PLAYER has rewritten my heart's coding.

Cat (she/her) and Andi (she/they) utilize very different armor styles to protect themselves. Cat people pleases and masks her trauma, desperate for acceptance. Andi locks down their emotions before anyone has a chance to break their heart. Yet, for all their safeguards - when they meet their person - masks drop and locks spring free unable to resist each other.

But that armor doesn't crash down all at once. Forced to co-develop multiple romantic storylines for a CRPG, Cat and Andi struggle to see eye-to-eye on the relevance of love in gaming. Tempers flare, lines are drawn, and they obliviously fall in love as they get on eachother's nerves. More so, they feel safe to be their authentic selves.

This is love.

Cat drops the impulse to select the "correct" dialog and speaks/word vomits her truths when challenged by Andi.

Andi actively listens to Cat instead of predicting outcomes. They choose to be in the moment rather than escape conflict.

This is love.

When they've been othered by family who fears their career. They understand each other.

Othered for being queer, non-binary, Asian in a cis white hetero dominated industry. They defend each other.

Othered for being soft, nerdy, shy in a society that expects comformity. They celebrate each other.

When they've been lead to believe they are too difficult to love. They risk their hearts and choose each other.

I may have digressed into an all vibes sorta review, but I'm so genuinely in love with the story gifted to us by Tara Tai. SINGLE PLAYER has my highest recommendation for it's humor, compassion, tension, drama, and love. It's brilliant. All of it.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A fun, light, and funny romance with plenty of moments that make you gasp in horror as messy relationships unfold in this sapphic romance between a young Asian woman who got an internship and her boss who also is a renowned Asian queer woman with she/they pronouns in the videogame world.

Rating: 5/5 stars
Steam level: Open-door scene; additional reference to steamy moments

Thoughts (some spoilers):
Whenever I find a book that fits me so perfectly, a book with characters that reflect some of the deepest, most hidden parts of myself, I can’t help but take a moment to sit with my feelings and bask in the uniquely gratifying and poignant experience of being seen. Single Player has easily become a favorite of mine due to the compassionate characterizations of the main characters. The way each personality intertwines with the romance makes for a gorgeous modern-day masterpiece. Trauma and culture are represented with care, and the writing is genuinely funny, endearing, and romantic. As a fellow gamer, the incorporation of gaming in all of it was the cherry on top.

Andi and Cat are such beautifully written characters. Cat is kind, somewhat starry-eyed, and incredibly outspoken, sometimes to a fault. She struggles with insecurities and living authentically for various reasons. On the other hand, Andi has their walls up. On the surface, they’re confident and sure, but they’re also introverted, awkward, and a bit emotionally unavailable, which makes sense due to the bone-deep trauma that they have.

When Andi and Cat are brought together in the context of work, it makes sense why they clash. Cat represents significant moments of grief in Andi’s life, which threatens their carefully constructed emotional walls. How could Andi not respond cautiously and defensively? In response, how could Cat not feel the all-too-familiar echoes of hurt and rejection from these perceived slights? After factoring in attraction and feelings, the resulting angst is magnetic.

Witnessing Andi and Cat come together to find growth and healing in the most precious slow burn was equal parts touching, romantic, and personally satisfying. Just when it seems like the book can’t get any better, the epilogue hit, which was also very rewarding.

I would recommend this book to any fan of romance novels and gaming. I couldn’t stop smiling when reading this, and I hope others enjoy it too.

I received an advanced reader’s copy. All opinions are my own.

Cat has finally landed her dream job, working at a gaming company, albeit as a temp. She's felt different and bullied her whole life, including classmates and her own family, but she should fit in here. Unfortunately, Cat's new boss, Andi, is well-known for her work and definitely acts like she's better than everyone. Cat's been hired on to add romance to the new video game they're building, but Andi is completely against it. Can Cat and Andi work together to build a video game that represents everything they value equally?

This was a great rivals to lovers/workplace romance about feeling different than everyone and trying to fit in. Cat goes through life pretending every conversation is a video game, believing how good her life goes depends on every interactions with MCs and NPCs. Andi hides her/their insecurities behind shields and pushes other people away. This had great queer representation and included some fun gaming and Dungeons and Dragons scenes. Great book for anyone who's ever felt less than and loves gaming.


*** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ***