I wanted to like this one as much as Dungeons and Drama, but, unfortunately, it just didn't hit quite the same. Which I don't actually think is the book's fault. I think it's just personal preference.

I adored the fake dating and enemies to lovers tropes in Dungeons and Drama and the mix of hobbies/interests that I also have: D&D and theatre! Dating and Dragons was more of a "love at first sight" kind of story, which just wasn't as interesting to me. Yes, the D&D table has a "no dating other players rule" which is where the main conflict comes in, but I still didn't find myself overly invested in Quinn and Logan's relationship.

Things I did love though:
-Quinn's relationship with her grandmother (and just her grandmother in general was a delight)
-The ex-friends and new friends plot lines
-The different sibling dynamics
-The representation of a more "serious" D&D table (a nice contrast to the type of table showed in Boyce's other book)
-A character who uses they/them pronouns!

If you liked Dungoens and Drama, like D&D, and/or like cute contemporary, YA romance give this one a try! It might very well be for you! It just wasn't perfect for me and that's okay!

Dating and Dragons is a wonderful romantic comedy that blends the enchantment of Dungeons and Dragons with the story of unspoken feelings. The story is full of heart, humor, and tabletop adventure.

While the story follows a group of besties who meet and play their imaginative game of D&D, there are plenty of dice rolls, spellcasting, and sparks flying between the two love interests. While Quinn and Logan are two friends who vow not to like each other, their chemistry is electric! Their friendship is bound by circumstance and a connection that is slightly out of reach, making this story perfect for those who enjoy a friends to lover tale.

★ ★ ★ ★.5

𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🎲 ya romance
🎲 live streaming
🎲 mean girls (and guys)
🎲 D&D sequences

Length: 316p
Source: ARC - TBR & Beyond, NetGalley
Release Date: December 31, 2024

•••••••
I LOVE this little series. So far the books are standalone but both are heavily centered around D&D and it’s just so nerdy and cute and—it’s like a warm hug.

We have a ya romance but the tension and chemistry between Quinn and Logan had me SWOONING. Ugh, to be young and in love (I mean I’m 38 and in love with the Hubs for almost 19 years but young love was so different). Even I felt butterflies for these two. The push and pull lasted through most of the book but I loved, LOVED the tension.

The friend group was also amazing. Such a diverse group of characters that brought humor and that “found family” vibe I always love in young adult stories. The family dynamics were also developed nicely!

Have I found a new favorite ya author? Absolutely! Although I have to admit the audio is what I prefer because it’s just so fun listening to these kinds of stories!

{I received a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}

Omg I thought I loved the first one but this one stole my heart toooooo! Logan and Quinn were so adorable!

“𝔻𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕒𝕡𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕚𝕫𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕥𝕖𝕩𝕥 𝕞𝕖 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘. 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕖𝕩𝕥.”

Like 🥰 I want more of THIS! I loved their friends to enemies to friends to lovers journey, and this friend group is one that everyone wants. I cannot praise this book enough and @kristylboyce has earned a place as an auto buy author for me!

Recommended for fans of YA, slow burn, and pining.

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
0/5

-

What to Expect:
🩵Dungeons & Dragons
🎲Forbidden Romance
🩵High School MCs
🎲Single POV
🩵SLOW BURN ROMANCE
🎲Secret Relationship
🩵Warm and Fuzzy Feelings
🎲YA Romance

-

Kristy Boyce has done it again! After loving Dungeons and Drama, I knew Dating and Dragons would be yet again, another hit, and let me tell you—it absolutely DELIVERED. This adorable YA rom-com follows Quinn as she joins a D&D group at her new school, where romance and gaming collide in the most heart-fluttering way (So stinkin adorable though!). The no-dating rule within the group sets the stage for ALL THE TENSION (and awkwardly adorable flirting) between Quinn and Logan, the group’s charming and slightly reserved gamer. Even if you're not a D&D expert, Boyce’s storytelling makes the game accessible and fun, weaving the gameplay into the larger narrative without overwhelming it with pure game info.

Quinn is such a relatable and well-rounded main character—her personality, quirks, and even her clothing choices make her feel like someone you’d meet in real life. Logan, on the other hand, took a little time to win me over, but by the end, I was all-in on their sweet, slow-burn romance. Add in a hilarious, meddling grandma, heartwarming friendships, and D&D livestream shenanigans, and you’ve got a story that feels both cozy and deeply engaging. The group dynamics were so fun, and I couldn’t help but laugh at their witty banter.

My only complaint? I wanted more! Some scenes flew by too quickly, and I would’ve loved extra time with Quinn and Logan to explore their chemistry further–I think this mostly comes from me being used to reading Adult books… I have to remind myself, this is a HS story, not ADULTS! But honestly, this book left me giggling, swooning, and wishing I could join a D&D campaign of my own (don’t tell my husband, he will have me signed up in 2 seconds!) If you’re into YA romance, nerdy vibes, or just a feel-good story, this one’s for you.

This is the story of high schoolers Quinn and Logan, who meet when Quinn arrives as the new girl at school in February, mid-school year. Quinn is back in the town that her grandmother lives in and boy, is Barbara a hoot! She made a handful of appearances (more so at the beginning and end) and when she did, she stole the show.
Quinn and Logan end up playing in the same D&D group (for those that don't know, it's the game Dungeons & Dragons), when Quinn fits right in with said friend group. I LOVED Quinn and Kashvi's friendship so much and I just wanted to join in on their jewelry making parties!
The supporting characters were equally admirable and I loved their D&D campaigns.
The comic fest event with the group costume contest was to die for, the pickleball scene was hilarious, the family dynamics with Quinn, her parents, and her brother Andrew was admirable, and the slowww burn between Quinn and Logan was to DIE for!!! This was such a sweet read and it made me want to craft, eat pancakes, play nerdy games (l'm such a nerd), and bottle feed a calf (you have to read to know)!
This read was...So. Perfect.

This book was cute! Low in spice, perfect for any reader. Love the concept of incorporating a well know role playing game into a book! I’ve only played dungeons and dragons once in my life, but it was cute to see it played into a love story

SO CUTE AND FUN AND COZY! I know very little about d&d but I had such a good time with this. I loved the focus on friendship and family relationships as well as the romance.

If you read and liked Dungeons and Drama then you’ll love this. I liked this one even more! Not only are Quinn and Logan super cute but this whole friend group is A+. I wish had them as friends when I was a teen. I loved them all so so much. Quinn’s family, especially her Grandma, were also such a funny and heartwarming addition. You gotta love a meddling grandma who means well. 🩵

This was super cute! It made me want to play D&D and try those amazing pancakes! Highly recommended you’re looking for a lighthearted and at times funny YA read. 💚

Thank you Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review. I love how unique this book is! Having a book that tailor's to gaming, but with a romantic twist is something I didn't know I needed! I love Quinn and Logan together! I love how charming and charismatic Logan is and I love the banter between him and Quinn.

Dating and Dragons is a simple will-they-won't-they for YA romantics. The swoony moments are weighted out by the wholesome friendships made and the fun antics of a nosy grandmother. This book could be an option for a hi-low reader, but the cute factor is for anyone who likes romance.

Dating and Dragons
Kristy Boyce

The second book in the Dungeons and Drama series.
This one follows Quinn, where he starts a new school and joins a D&D game hoping to gain friends. Even better when Logan, the attractive guy that Quinn met on her first day, is the same group as her. It gets a little complicated when new rules are made for the members of the D&D game. Dating other members and phones are not allowed. It shouldn’t be a problem for Quinn seeing as Logan has become unbearable. But there squabbling is more than just in the D&D game, it overspills to there real life as well. Could Logan’s annoying actions be a decoy for his true feelings?

I loved Quinn and Logan as characters. The romance was one of the cutest that I’ve read in a long time. I love these covers as well.
Another home run for Kristy Boyce.

Thank you to Random House Children's and Net Galley for this E-ARC in exchange for reading and reviewing this title.

Overall: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Plotline: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Tropes: MF; YA Romance; Forbidden

Themes: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Spice Factor: .5
Enjoyment Factor: 4/5

Review: This was a super cute YA romance; the slow burn was super fun, and the romance build-up was significant! I loved the DND aspects and felt like reading critical roles as if made by teenagers, which was on par with what was happening in the story. I wish we had more of a resolution with the old friend group, but overall, this was super cute and light-hearted.
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kristy does it again. Another fun D&D story with great characters and an interesting twist on forbidden romance. The book starts with an enemies to lovers vibe too, which was fun. Definitely still think that Boyce's writing can be strengthened, but the book was fun and I enjoyed the story. Great pick for your nerdy romance teens (and adults too)

Dating and Dragons was adorably cute! I have never played D&D so it was fun learning about it while reading. Quinn and Logan make the sweetest couple; I was rooting for them from the start! I liked that the tension from her old D&D group of friends was part of why she was hesitant to take the leap with Logan, along with the current group’s no-dating rule. I’m a sucker for a forbidden love trope. Quinn’s grandma was a fun side character who added a lot of interesting scenes to the book. Overall it was a great palette cleanser if you need something to read in between other more intense books. (I’ve been on quite the Romantasy kick lately).

Kristy did it again with this YA romance! I have never played D&D but I love learning about it and how these kids all connect through this shared love of the game. The sparks between these two were sweet and I loved how they slowly grew over time as they get to know each other. I enjoyed the forbidden romance aspect through the group rules and I like it all worked out in the end on that front. The friendship side of these was very realistic to what teens deal with and I also liked the family dynamics as well. Overall, this is a gem of a book that I will definitely be recommending to all my students and fans of YA!

FULL REVIEW
This young adult romance was the sweetest! You can read both books in this series in any order as they are complete standalones and I highly recommend both! Quinn and Logan’s chemistry had me hooked from the start. What begins as a rivalry in their D&D group quickly evolves into something much more as their playful bickering and banter turn into heartfelt moments. I loved how Quinn wasn’t afraid to stand up to Logan’s charm, and how the rules of the group—no dating among members—created the perfect tension for their growing connection. The D&D setting was so much fun and added an extra layer to the story, with the group’s strict “no phones, no dating” rules creating all sorts of dilemmas and opportunities for Quinn and Logan to realize their feelings. It was the perfect blend of nerdy fun and sweet romance!

TROPES
😈Enemies to Lovers
🧲Opposites attract
🏫High School Romance
🤐Secret Feelings
💞Forced Proximity
🤓Nerdy Romance
🎲Dungeons & Dragons

This is a romcom for all the D&D lovers about there! (But there’s plenty to love even if you know nothing about it.) Quinn is struggling with switching schools in the middle of the year until she finds a D&D group to join, made even better by the presence of her new crush. The problem? This group streams their sessions, meaning they take things pretty seriously, including a no dating rule. 🎲

I had so much fun with this one. It included more of the actual game than the first book, Dungeons and Drama, which was something I was missing although I still love both. It was nice having the FMC already be familiar with the game this time around.

The friend group is so cute. Her growing bff-ship with one of the players is adorable, and I liked seeing a relationship besides just the romantic one develop. The way the group takes her in and accepts her is so sweet. 🫂

Her romance with the MMC is great. Forbidden love but done in a very low stakes way compared to some of the darker books I read. So it had that good tension and angst but in a light hearted way that I enjoyed. ❤️

Overall, this is a really fun read for D&D lovers or just romcom lovers in general!

Thanks to the author for the copy.

9.77-9.80/10

What Worked For Me

Characters-10

Advertisements

REPORT THIS AD
I loved the characters in this! Quinn and Logan were both lovely and so cute. I loved the DND group in this one and how they treated each other like found family. The group dynamic was great, and they worked great together both in and out of the game. Quinn’s parents and Quinn’s brother were great additions to the story. This book had a journey for all the characters, which I enjoyed.

Writing-10

Dating and Dragons had a fun writing style that was easy to read. There were fun scenes in this book where the group was hanging out, and being teens which is what I love in YA novels. These scenes bring the characters together and explores the relationship dynamics. This book was also filled with important topics, such as a grandparent moving into a retirement community, and dealing with past friends through internet trolling. The dialogue was funny and interesting, and I enjoyed the DND game, as well as the references to DND in this book.

Plot-9.7

While this book was a romance subplot, and the romance was a slow burn, I loved how the characters had a connection as friends before they started dating. This was also a journey of healing, and moving on from past friendships, and a former DND group. I loved how the DND group came together and helped Quinn move on.

Romance-9

As a fan of DND fan, I loved the romance in this. I thought both characters were sweet, and looked out for each other. I love a slow-burn romance, and enemies/friends to lovers.

Rating: 🐇 🐇🐇🐇🐇/5

🩷Forbidden Romance
⚔️ Dungeons and Dragons
🩷 Slow Burn
⚔️ Found Family

I am completely and utterly obsessed. Kristy did it again! Another 5-star read!

This book, once again, had me squealing and giggling like a schoolgirl. I have zero shame. I loved Riley and Nathan so much; I didn’t know that I could love Quinn and Logan just as much (maybe even more but I refuse to pick favorites). THE INSTANT CHEMISTRY. THE FORBIDDEN ROMANCE. THE TENSION. THE SLOW BURN.

Kristy does a wonderful job truly capturing that youthful spirit and the joy (and fear) of falling in love with the backdrop of Dungeons and Dragons. I really appreciated that we got even more involved in the campaign itself, meeting the creative characters, and experiencing firsthand how they all interacted with each other. I also really appreciated the highlighting of the streaming community!

All the side characters are such a treat. The interactions and banter feel so unique but also so authentic. The features on her found family + her biological family are so touching. Quinn is truly surrounded by such a loving support system.

If you are a book lover who has been interested in D&D and want to carefully dip your toes into the universe, I think these books are wonderful, heartwarming introduction!

I absolutely cannot wait for more. I am so hooked. I need my fix.

As always, I received this arc in exchange for my honest opinion, voluntary opinion.