Thank you so much to TBR & Beyond Tour, Random House Children & Delacorte Romance for the advance copy of this book!

"Live your life, Quinn. Every minute of it. Don't drift through it - live it."

Dungeons and Drama was my first book by Kristy that I read earlier in the year and I absolutely loved it!!! It was a Young Adult book that I was constantly recommending and left me with all the feels. I was excited that Kristy came back with another book with the same theme.

This book is not connected to the Dungeons and Drama at all. So no need to worry about reading in order or feeling like you have to read Dungeons and Drama prior to this - though you really should.

Once again Kristy takes us into the world of Dungeons and Dragon and I feel like we get even more involved in the game compared to the first time around. We see more of the friend group and see more of the overall game being played. I love the inclusion of online viewing as I know that is a big part of computer/video game culture. I love how they all went to the comic book store and participated in a costume contest. Their group just seemed like such a fun group of teens to be around. I love the twin dynamic of Sanjiv and Kashvi! Kashiv was a great friend to Quinn especially with Quinn starting a new school and her prior history with her friend group (girls are just vicious!).

"What did I tell you about biting your lip when I'm with you? It's like you want me to kiss you."

Just like with the prior book, Kristy's banter and teenage feelings had me kicking my feet. We got to see the start of this coupling in the beginning and her meddling Grandma (who was such a great side character) helped kick start their meet cute. Logan was very apprehensive for Quinn to join their D&D group because of their rule of about not dating. And as a reader, you could tell it was because he wanted to date her! I thought their dynamic was just so darn cute and her grandma played a role in finding ways to force them to be around each other. There was a moment during their costume contest that gave me big heart eyes while reading.

If you are looking for a cute, fluffy, YA romance with tons of D&D references that just will make you smile as you read - give this series a read!

To no one’s surprise, I absolutely ADORED this book!! It truly felt like a big warm hug in all of the best ways. I loved the characters and how important friendship was in this story.

Join Quinn, Logan, and all their friends as they navigate the perils of high school, D&D, dating, and keeping their friendships in tact. It was so sweet and fun, and I cannot recommend it enough!!

So um. I didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped🫥

The new D&D group Quinn joined in after moving into new area has rules, and one of them is that there’s no dating between the members. After her disastrous incident in her last D&D group, she’s on board with the rule. But will it remains like that when something starts to spark between her snd Logan, one of the D&D group member?

TBH I’m not a fan of the romance progression. The sexual tension is too much for a YA book IMO please y’all are just 16 years olds😭 it’s basically insta-attraction and the way the word “hot” being used multiple time to describe the attraction trait is weird. again, THEY’RE 16 YEARS OLD😭😭😭

The group was okay, didn’t feel as wholesome as Nathan’s group but I have no problem with them.

But the last 15% or so was hilarious, I laughed out loud so much. So there’s that. Overall it’s not as cute and fun as Dungeons & Drama But it’s still have its amusing moments. Shoutout to Grandma the real star in this book.

In conclusion Dungeons & Drama remains unbeatable. RileyNathan still owns my heart!

thank you to netgalley and random house children for giving me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

dungeons and drama was a smash hit for me and kind of out of left field. looking back it should have been obvious how much i would have loved it. it included musical theater, fake dating, "enemies"-to-lovers, and dungeons & dragons! all things i love!!

suffice to say i had big hopes for dating and dragons.... and they were successfully met. :D

quinn and logan's relationship was instantly swoon-worthy. however!! they can't be together because of a "no dating" rule in their live streaming d&d group?? sign me up. all of that includes lots of angst, mutual pining (though we only see quinn's side since it is 1st pov, but come on... logan is whipped), and sweet moments between the two love birds.

i will be completely honest, it's losing half a star because the d&d elements kind of bogged me down. i like d&d! but i've never really been able to follow two plots at once (the a plot the romance and the b plot the d&d campaign). it's going down a -half- a star because who knows. maybe that's a character flaw -i- have.

also this book will always have a very deeply personal connection to me. quinn's grandmother is dealing with her family wanting her to go to a retirement community. in my real life, my only surviving grandparents are moving closer to me and my family in order to help them as they get older. i know how quinn feels. it's bittersweet because you love having the grandparents around you more often! but you know that this is the beginning of the end. bittersweet.

yes. i would recommend this book.

yes. i got the e-arc.

and yes. i ran out to barnes and noble this morning to get the beautifully purple b&n exclusive edition.

i just wish i read more books like this when i was the age of the characters (~juniors in high school). maybe i would be even more of a hopeless romantic. <3

Really enjoyed this book. I think I may have liked it even better than the first one. Such a fun look.

Happy pub day, @kristylboyce !!! This book was probably the sweetest thing to come out in 2024, and I'm so glad I got the arc for it on Netgalley. So many of you asked if i read the first one yet because I was going insane telling you guys about this one. I have not read Dungeons and Drama, BUT i have already bought it, and I'm saving it for a February read. This book was ooey gooey sweetness, and it took everything in me to not inhale it in one sitting. Now I need to get a copy of this book (after I catch up from Christmas brokeness), and so do you guys! I'm really excited to see what she works on next!

Such a cute rom-com that teens and adults alike will love. Perfect for nerdy adults looking for some nostalgia. Amazing.

Yet another crit success from author Kristy Boyce.

When Quinn and her family move to be closer to her Grandmother mid school year, she's actually looking forward to starting over. Or at least she would be if her Grandmother could just stop embarrassing her for two seconds. Thankfully, a few minutes of embarrassment leads Quinn right into the midst of a new set of friends. And the best part? They play D&D! When Kashvi, one of her new friends, invites Quinn to join their game she couldn't be more ecstatic! But it turns out that this group is far more serious than her last one and even live streams their games! Not to mention they have rules, including their biggest rule: no dating the other players.

And that might prove to be a problem, thanks to the fact that one of her group members is the stunningly handsome Logan. Logan is the guy of Quinn's dreams. Well, minus the fact that for some reason he really seems to want her to not join their D&D group. Quinn is disappointed because she thought they had hit it off really well... but maybe Logan is behaving the way he is because he has feelings for her. Feelings that neither of them can bring to fruition without risking their D&D party and everything Quinn has been building for herself since moving. But Logan is as charismatic as his D&D character and Quinn finds its hard to stay away. Will Quinn be able to quench her crush or will she find herself in the midst of more D&D drama?

Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen. If you thought Dungeons and Drama was a good read, you're in for a magnificent treat with Dating and Dragons. Much more D&D focused and showcasing the classic slowburn I've come to love from Kristy Boyce, Dating and Dragons is everything I wanted and more. Featuring another cast of delightful characters, this romance is so sweet. The sense of yearning that you feel as they will they won't they through the story is just divine. And I love, love, love that we get to see so much more of their D&D game in this one! (Seriously, Kristy, I have to know how the meeting with the dragon goes!)

This time, it's not just the young characters that shine. I absolutely adored Barbara and her relationship with Quinn. The way she was determined to play matchmaker was adorable. She's very much young at heart and mischevious to the core. If you told me the next book was about Barbara and Jim falling in love over pickleball while Quinn and her friends teach them D&D I wouldn't be mad either! In a romance focused on young people, I loved having such delightful adults in the background.

I hope this isn't the end for the Dungeons and Drama series. Ms. Boyce has such a way with words and I'll read anything she cares to throw at me! Can I roll a dex save to see if I can catch an early copy of the next book?

I had a great time reading this author’s first novel Dungeons and Drama so when I saw this second D&D themed young adult novel I couldn’t resist, even though I don’t fall within the target demo. Dating and Dragons, while not quite as good as the first is a very cute, and very quick read. It’s a simple premise but the author does such a good job making the subject matter easy to grasp for a D&D novice, and the characters were very likable and interesting.

I think we’ve all been the new girl at some point or other so it’s easy to identify with Quinn’s situation- starting a new school and wanting to make friends. As an adult, every time you start a new job you find yourself in similar situations and despite the whole aging process, it sometimes feels like you never left high school and all of those insecurities you had as a teen. I loved how this new group Quinn wants to join reflects the society that we live in today. D&D, in my day, wouldn’t be something you’d admit to playing, but now all kinds of games, hobbies, and different groups of people are not looked at as being different at all. For me, that was one of the things that made this story so refreshing. The easy to read story and likable characters didn’t hurt either!

Thank you, Delacorte Romance, for an advanced digital copy of this book!

Dating and Dragons is a delightful, slow-burn YA novel about the world of Dungeons & Dragons. As someone with little prior knowledge of the game, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the author introduces D&D, making it accessible while still engaging fans. The book balances geeky details with broader appeal, making it enjoyable for newcomers and seasoned players.

The characters are one of the book's standout elements. Each side character is distinct, with their personality and relationship to the protagonist, enriching the story. The novel focuses on a new group of friends, their fun campaign adventures, and the emotional complexities of a teenager trying to fit in after a midyear move. The author excels at crafting realistic, imperfect characters who feel authentic to their age, capturing adolescence's awkwardness, misunderstandings, and growth. Their flaws are relatable but never irritating.

The romance and relationship development are well-paced, never feeling rushed or forced. The author clearly put care into creating meaningful connections between characters.

Overall, Dating and Dragons is a charming and refreshing read. It blends romance, gaming, and the ups and downs of teenage life in a natural and fun way. I'd love to see more stories set in gaming worlds like this one, and I'd be quick to pick them up!

Dating and Dragons it the second book in this series of young adult romance books, based around Dungeons and Dragons, but I didn't see the main characters from the first book introduced at all in this book, so I would say that they can be read alone, without having to read the other books in this series. This book introduces new characters, Quinn, our FMC, who is starting fresh at a new high school, and is apprehensive about making new friends, and joining a new D&D group after being bullied after a giving a fellow D&D player a chance, and deciding they were better off as friends, and Logan, our MMC, who is in an established D&D group that Quinn gets recruited into. Throughout their game nights, and even outside of their game nights, their friendship sprouts into something more.

Although I am not familiar with Dungeons and Dragons as a whole, and have never played it myself, I really loved this book, even more than the first one. I BINGED this book in one sitting. The cover is adorable, and the story matches it so well. I loved the main and supporting characters so much and how well they all got along and supported each other, although, I'm not going to lie, I was worried about how the ending would go, but was so happy for the HEA for our main characters.

There were definitely times when the characters acted juvenile, but you need to keep in mind, that this is a YA romance, and the characters are in high school so it was perfect for being a YA romance. The book was also perfectly paced and was a quick read, and there were definitely no lulls in the story, if anything it could have maybe been a little bit longer in order to build more on the relationship/friendships, but I loved everything that we did get.

I would definitely recommend this to any readers who enjoy YA books and D&D, although, that is definitely not a requirement considering I loved this book, but have never played D&D a day in my life. Glad to have this as my final read of 2024!

Thank you to Kirsty Boyce, Random House, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.

This is a delightful read for young adult romance enthusiasts who crave a lighthearted, contemporary tale of self-discovery, friendship, and swoon-worthy love, set against the backdrop of a high school D&D club.

The book was a wonderful quick read. It's very appropriate for young readers as it has a lot of elements that they can relate to. Sometimes authors write high school romance but sounds a lot more adult than it should be, but this book was perfect. It got me thinking of how it was like to have a crush back in high school. As someone who has never played D&D, there is a good balance of going into the campaigns and sort of learning the gist of it, without letting the campaign take over too much of the book. I also love the tie in with getting to know the characters through their relationships with their family, which was a big part of the book. Overall a cute high school romance!

The diversity in the group was great. I loved that. The DnD sessions were so fun to listen to. But overall the conflicts seemed vastly made up to Quinn. The grandma was the true shining star in this. I laughed out loud in all of her scenes.

Overall this one was fine. I can see how it would appeal to a younger audience.

This book is just as cute & nerdy as book # 1 ( Dungeons & Drama)! Quinn is starting at a new high school halfway through the year. She joins a D&D group to make some friends. This group takes the game very seriously & has specific rules each member has to follow. The important one is no dating other members in the group - should be easy for Quinn - right?! 😬

This book is fast pace & an easy read. Quinn’s grandma is my favorite! She is hilarious & the ultimate match maker.

This book is the 2nd in the author’s Dungeons & Drama series. However, it can be read separately.

Thank you NetGalley for the early copy!

Thank you to both Kristy Boyce and Netgalley for gifting me the ARC of “Dating and Dragons” in exchange for an honest review by me.

Kristy Boyce has easily become one of my favorite YA Rom-Com authors. I will always anticipate any work created by her. This book is no exception. The characters are well thought out and lovable, and yes, this includes the side characters (I’m looking at Quinn’s Grandma, especially). I related to Quinn especially and I found her to be a wonderful, strong, funny, and ambitious character to follow around during my reading time. Don’t even get me started on that SLOW BURN. I love a good slow burn, and this book definitely has it. I felt like yelling at these two idiots (I mean this lovingly) for hours of my life. And when they finally became official, all the puzzle pieces in my brain connected and I was left with a happy smile on my face. THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A SLOW BURN!!! Boyce’s writing takes me back to reading romance in high school. Blushing, giggling, heart beating, smiling, swooning-feelings await! I recommend this one to everyone. “Dating and Dragons” comes out TOMORROW so I beg you all to add this one to your tbr/buy it IMMEDIATELY! It was incredible and was worth every second.

Kristy Boyce has rolled a Nat 20 yet again with “Dating and Dragons”! 🙌

Thank you Delacorte for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you 🩷:
•🎲 All things Nerdy
•🩵 Forbidden Romance
•🥞 A Diehard Group of Besties
•👵 Meddling Grandmas

Kristy Boyce writes the BEST teenagers! Quinn and the gang are so relatable, they’ll have readers feeling like they’re back in high school. Boyce stands out by portraying the real struggles teens face, such as friendships that don’t always mend and the challenge of coming to terms with the mortality of their older relatives.

And don’t forget- there’s an A+ romance happening at the same time! Quinn and Logan’s forbidden romance is full of off the charts chemistry! From their semi-forced meet-cute to their struggles to stay apart, each chapter is a page turner thanks to the balance of the group rules and Quinn’s meddling grandma. Who knew an older woman could come up with so many schemes?!

Be sure to pick up “Dating and Dragons” when it comes out TOMORROW!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
Ever since picking up reading again as an adult, I’ve hesitated to dive back into YA romance for fear of feeling “too old.” As a teenager, I loved the YA genre so much that I worried I’d never outgrow it. Now, I realize you don’t have to outgrow genres, and some YA stories have the magic to transport you back in time. While reading Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce, I truly felt like a teenager again, eagerly devouring the story at every opportunity.
Although I haven’t yet read Boyce’s other gaming-inspired novel, Dungeons and Drama, I was still thrilled when Dating and Dragons appeared on my NetGalley shelf, drawn in by the description alone.
The story follows Quinn Norton, who is starting over at a new high school after a fallout with her old friend group made her previous school unbearable. To make new friends, Quinn joins a Dungeons and Dragons group. The catch? All the games are live-streamed, and, even worse, the cute boy she met on her first day, Logan, is in the group. Oh, and there’s a strict no-dating rule.
Boyce does a fantastic job of writing characters who feel genuinely young and imperfect, but not annoying. Their flaws are realistic for high schoolers, with all the awkwardness and misunderstandings that come with being that age. The development of the relationships throughout the story is paced perfectly—never rushed or forced. Boyce thoughtfully guides the reader through the dynamics of the D&D group and the campaign Quinn and her friends embark on.
What I really appreciated was how authentically young the romance felt. As a 26-year-old, I often worry that YA romance will become too steamy, but Boyce kept the romance age-appropriate, offering plenty of heart-fluttering moments and, above all, SO much yearning.
At times, the writing felt slightly repetitive, especially regarding Quinn’s grandmother storyline. While the grandmother was a standout character, there were moments when her presence felt a little too cartoonish. Despite this, Dating and Dragons earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars from me! If you love games, tender yearning, and romance that gives you butterflies, this book is for you.

I had high hopes for this one after loving Dungeons and Drama, but this book felt like it could have been a novella. The premise was weak and it got way too into D&D details for this non-player.

Quinn is the new girl in school and she's happy to get a fresh start after having drama in her last friend group. She meets up with some other gamers who love D&D and joins their group. She was excited to see the cute boy, Logan, that she met on the first day of school there, but he's now sending mixed signals about whether he is into her. Besides, their D&D group has a strict no-dating policy to eliminate such drama, but is this a rule worth breaking?

This book felt painfully YA. The angst, the miscommunication, the overblown reactions to every little thing. I thought the first book in the "series" had more of a joyful feel with some actual depth due to family circumstances. (I say series lightly because those characters were not present in this book.) I also don't remember the first book being so in depth with game details. It felt like we got that because the author didn't know how to stretch this story otherwise. Logan and Quinn's reason to be apart was pretty weak from the start, and I didn't like how he treated her in the meantime. The ending was cute and I enjoyed the grandma focus although it didn't have the emotional impact that the dad story line from the last book did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacourte for the e-book in exchange for my honest review.

Dungeons & Drama was one of my favorites in 2024, so I was so excited to get my hands on this one before the year ends.

Unfortunately, it didn't grab me like the first. As someone with zero D&D knowledge, the first book swept me away! It was so cute and nerdy and adorable. This one is not bad by ANY means, but it did fall flat.

1. The drama of the no-dating rule seemed to be a bit much for me.
2. Logan's dialogue made me groan -- he was written like an adult male romance lead, not a silly teenager
3. Quinn is boring

I do love that this is a clean YA, it covers some good HS topics, and I think many of my students would love it, so it's still a win! I don't pretend to be the target audience for these books, so take my review with a grain of salt.

3.5⭐