Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! Read this in my quest to understand my boyfriends interest in D&D and it was a very cute romcom, so much so maybe I’ll play in his next campaign

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* New in town lovers
* Small town
* Story within a story
* Dungeons & Dragons
* Found family
* Slow burn romance
* Sweet & spicy
Who this book is for: D&D fans, as well as fans of similar games and fandoms, but for anyone who loves a good romance between two adorable people❤️

Thank you to NetGalley, Lenora Woods, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell publishers for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

જ⁀➴What Made Me Swoon 🥰

⤷The Attraction
-I love how flirty they are nearly immediately when they meet each other and play DnD for the first time! She’s uncertain, but he’s so obvious from the start.

Chemistry:
-Their role playing texting back and forth was really cute as they’re in their DnD characters. I like how the author makes it clear they’re texting in their characters’ roles. It lets them talk about how they feel for each other, especially Sadie since she’s nervous to be more open about how she feels for him.

-I LOVED their first kiss. It brought down her walls because he did it as part of their DnD first, before he gave her the kiss he’s been wanting to do for a while.

-Their first date was so sweet and loved how she trusted him to take her somewhere so fun and spontaneous. Their swim together was hot and sweet at the same time, and I like their playfulness with each other! But I also like how he always steadies her, and calls her when she over worries and gets nervous. He’s gentle and patient while also bringing out her adventurous side.

-Their first time together was incredibly sweet and steamy! I loved how detailed it was 🥄🌶️🫠

-I’m so happy they chose both their own happiness, and each other. Neither of them pressured their decisions and when they each told what they chose, it made me so happy!

જ⁀➴What Could Be Better 🤔

⤷ At first I had no idea what was happening as D&D scenario is introduced. But they were fun and also engaging to read as the connection with Noah and Sadie progresses. It makes for a fun story within a story! Maybe if these parts were labeled clearly, it would help flow a little, like in a separate font or subtitle of some kind, similar to the texting they did together?

⤷I wish they weren’t interrupted on their first date! 🤭

💭Final Verdict 💭
I feel this book was unique and different from most romances I have read, and in the best way! I’ve never played Dungeons and Dragons, but Lenora Woods helps to explain it well since it’s new for most of the group playing it, too. So that was a smart writing choice on her part! I really enjoyed how they all became close friends through the game, and how what happens there also builds all of them up together by the end of the book. And I loved how they all rooted for Sadie and Noah to be together! It made their ending that much more satisfying 💜

Oh, and I especially liked the ending letter to the reader, the discussion questions, and recipes! It was a really nice touch to add to this great book!

This book had been one of my most anticipated books all year! I absolutely adored every moment in this book and honestly cannot wait to go back and reread it all over again! The chemistry between characters is so genuine and fun that you want to be their friends and just get to know them more. I cannot wait to see what else Lenora has in store for us!

I was really excited for a book set around dnd but this one was off the mark for me unfortunately. I love the parts where they were playing the game but overall the pacing felt really slow but in am odd way, not a slow-burn way. I still enjoyed the book but I wish I had liked it more.

🎲 ARC Review: Roll for Romance by Lenora Woods 💕🧝‍♂️⚔️

Cue the dice rolls and heart flutters! 🎲💖 Roll for Romance is a wholesome, geeky delight that blends fantasy and real-world feelings with the charm of a small-town summer and the swoon of an unexpected love story.

When Sadie Brooks loses her marketing job and crashes in small-town Texas, the last thing she expects is to be swept into a Dungeons & Dragons campaign—or a slow-burn romance with a bard IRL 😍🎶. As Jaylie the cleric and Loren the lute-strumming elf, she and Noah Walker go from party members to something a lot more complicated and adorable.

💘 Why you’ll love it:
✔️ Adorably awkward meet-cutes over D&D dice 🎲
✔️ Dual-layered storytelling—watch the romance bloom in-game and out-of-game
✔️ Sadie’s journey of healing and rediscovery feels real and empowering 🌱
✔️ Noah’s golden-retriever energy + bard vibes = book boyfriend goals 🎸🧝‍♂️
✔️ Nerdy references, genuine friendships, and a sprinkle of magic 🪄

The fantasy-tinged worldbuilding through their D&D characters adds depth and whimsy, while the emotional arc keeps it grounded. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to tabletop, this book wraps you up in a cozy hug of adventure, love, and second chances 🛡️💕

🎯 For fans of:
📚 Legends & Lattes, Well Met, and geek-chic slow burns
💘 Romance with heart and humor
🧙‍♀️ Found family + fantasy game night feels

🌟 Rating: 5/5 rolls on the romance check
#ARCReview #RollForRomance #LenoraWoods #NerdyRomance #DandDLoveStory #SmallTownMeetsFantasy 💕🎲📖

I absolutely loved this book! I thought it was an unique twist to have the main character's story lines as well as, the running story line of the D&D party. I was fully invested in both story lines until the finish! The characters were nicely developed and I felt connected to them all.

I also read this story at a time in my life where the theme of the book resonated with me. I would definitely continue reading this if it is a series to come. I highly suggest this book if you like a sweet romance, self discovery and a little bit of magical adventure!

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Thanks to Netgalley & Random House- Ballantine for the E-ARC! Loved this one so much! Beautiful story & loved the romance. Cute characters & fun concepts. A wonderful debut!

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
A nerdy, heartwarming rom-com that blends fantasy and real-life romance with just the right amount of dice-rolling charm.

Lenora Woods’ Roll for Romance is a cozy, feel-good debut perfect for anyone who loves a little D&D with their slow-burn love stories. With lovable characters, subtle personal growth, and parallel adventures both in-game and IRL, this story is as much about self-discovery as it is about falling in love.

🎲 Why it’s a critical hit:
Sadie and Noah’s chemistry is quietly magical. Watching them flirt, banter, and bond through their fantasy counterparts (Jaylie and Loren!) adds a fun layer of slow-burn connection that feels earned and genuine.

The D&D setting is accessible and delightful. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to tabletop gaming, the campaign scenes are easy to follow, funny, and cleverly mirror Sadie’s personal journey.

Themes of reinvention and taking chances. Sadie’s arc—coping with job loss, redefining success, and risking vulnerability—is relatable and empowering.

Supportive side characters & found family vibes. The campaign group is full of warmth and comic relief, giving the book a strong ensemble feel.

🎯 Why it’s 4 stars (not quite 5):
Some emotional beats could’ve gone deeper. A few of Sadie’s career and self-worth realizations are lightly touched rather than fully explored.

The pacing lags slightly near the middle. While the game sessions are fun, a few chapters feel more like side quests than plot movers.

💕 Final thoughts:
Roll for Romance is a wholesome, geeky delight that’s equal parts flirtation and fantasy. It’s about learning to trust your own instincts, whether in love, work, or the next campaign roll. If you’re a fan of The Love Hypothesis, Level Up, or She Gets the Girl—with a D20 twist—you’ll adore this.

Four stars. Sweet, charming, and proof that sometimes love really is a critical success.

"Roll for Romance" is one of the cutest books I've read this year!

Lenora Woods makes it clear that she knows her stuff when it comes to Dungeons & Dragons and that made this book that much more fun to read. I actually haven't played before but this book made me want to someday for sure.

I loved the small-town feel and the bonds amongst the friend group. I cannot wait to see if there will be more books in this world.

Thank you Dell for selecting me for this ARC and to Lenora Woods for including me in the traveling ARC team.

A charming, geeky slow-burn romance that blends real emotion with D\&D magic—fun, heartfelt, and fresh.

This was cute, and if you're into D&D, I think you'll really enjoy it. I have to say I found the D&D storyline the more compelling of the two and was almost disappointed when switching back to the real life one, which is definitely a "me" thing. Sadie and Noah's romance was sweet and enjoyable, but it lacked much in the way of conflict, and I like a lot tension in my romance. For readers who like low stakes vibe, though, this will hit the spot. Overall a fun read!

Roll for Romance is a heartwarming and charming contemporary romance. Debut author Lenora Woods introduces us to Sadie, a woman reeling from the loss of her dream job who seeks solace in a small Texas town with her best friend. What begins as a summer plan turns into a journey of self-discovery, as Sadie runs out of excuses to join his Dungeons & Dragons game and finds more than she expected. The story is sweet and uplifting, making it the perfect feel-good summer read.

What I really enjoyed about this story is the inclusion of the D&D campaign within the narrative. Woods adds the in-game storyline alongside Sadie's real-life challenges, giving readers the delightful feeling of experiencing two stories at once. It’s a fun and creative structure that adds depth without overshadowing the romance. Fans of romance with a geeky twist will find a lot to love here.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the copy of the eARC!

"Two fledgling tabletop gamers find themselves falling for each other - both in and out of their weekly D and D sessions - in this charming, fantasy-tinged romance.

When Sadie Brooks unexpectedly loses her marketing job, she flees New York City to spend the summer with her best friend in small-town Texas, where joining his Dungeons and Dragons campaign is the perfect distraction while she plans her next steps.

In the game, she becomes Jaylie, a powerful human cleric blessed by the Goddess of Luck. But in real life, Sadie believes her luck has run out - until she meets Noah Walker, the outgoing bartender roped into joining their party as Loren, an adventurous and charismatic lute-strumming elf. Just as Jaylie finds herself succumbing to the bard's charms over the course of their party's travels, Sadie also begins to fall under Noah's spell.

As their relationship progresses in both worlds, Sadie wonders if what they have might last beyond the game. But like his traveling bard character, Noah never stays in one place for long. When a new opportunity arises in New York, Sadie must face the truth about why she lost her job in the first place - and whether she and Noah have found something in Texas worth staying for. Torn between her career dreams in the city and the exciting uncertainty of a new adventure, she will have no choice but to roll the dice."

Walker, Texas Elf Bard!

I was granted an ARC of this book by NetGalley. Roll for Romance will be published 7/15/2025

Where to start? I LOVED this book. It might be in the top 10 books for my 2025. I tend to pick a romance novel because the plot is just separated enough from reality to be fun. Scenarios that you probably wouldn't outside of a TV show or movie. But this story was so real and so relatable in all the best ways. There was no forced conflict, no miscommunication that could've been solved through a text. It was about a girl who'd worked too hard for too long healing from burnout and finding her joy. And about two people falling in love.

Where better to start than with the players? Sadie, who recently finds herself without a job finally agrees to stay with her longtime best fried Liam in Heller, Texas, to take some time to recover and find herself again. And play D&D while she's there. We are then introduced to the other members of the campaign, Jules, Morgan, and Noah (the love interest). I love how everybody felt like fully realized people, they had lives and personalities and were so well fleshed out. We got to see a peek into their lives outside of the game without slamming the brakes on the whole reason we're here, the romance! The fact that they all became friends outside of the game was so nice.

I loved the chemistry between Sadie and Noah. I know I keep saying this, but, it just felt real! It wasn't insta-love like you see so often. They liked each other, but it was nice to watch it grow from a friendship to love. They clearly care so much about each other and I LOVED that they talked about the things that they were worried about when their relationship did start to get more serious. And for them to be so supportive of each other, you can just tell that Noah is Sadie's biggest fan when it comes to her art.

Now, let's talk about the D&D portions of this book. They were amazing!!! It was obvious that not only does Lenora Woods play D&D, she LOVES it. The story telling for the game sessions felt like she must have had Matt Mercer and Brennan Lee Mulligan on freaking speed dial or something. She smartly used Sadie being new to the game to slip in explanations of certain game terms like "roll for initiative" and "roll at disadvantage". It felt like I was right there next to the group playing the campaign with them. And to have those poor babies fight a BEHOLDER?!?!? Lenora, you are vicious. I gasped so loud when I realized it was behold, it startled my cat from her nap. So....you owe her an apology, I guess.

I also love that she focused on something that I think a lot more people are dealing with lately, burnout. Sadie had worked herself to the bone in her old job. To the point where one day, she just didn't go into work. Or the next day, or the day after, for two weeks. Burnout can be such a scary thing to deal with, especially if you feel like you're doing it all on your own. I loved the quote Liam used early in the book "We can't control the wind, but we can adjust the sails."

There was so much I just loved about this book, I will definitely be re-reading it. In fact, I pre-ordered it before I even finished it.
If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. Thank you for this book, Lenora. And please, PLEASE write another one. I need to see what happens between Liam and Marcus!
NAT 20!

Roll for Romance was so fun! Sadies character is pretty relatable. Things are confusing and rocky when your life changes the way hers did, and the thought of getting back on your feet can be overwhelming. Why not allow yourself a bit of fantasy?

This book is still easy to follow if you have no experience with d&d but have a curiosity for it. Don't be afraid to dive in if you're unsure! (That goes for the book AND playing).

Low stakes, fun, swoonworthy, and nerdy.
Thank you for the chance to read it early and give it an honest review.

This book was so sweet!!! I loved the way it followed both the players real life and the journey of their characters in the campaign. This book did a really good job explaining the basics of DND to someone who may not have experience, and made a lot of sense for people like me who have played before too. I also really like Sadie’s journey, and love how it resolved with her finding what she really wanted.

Spoilers Ahead:
My biggest struggle with this book was that sometimes it felt like player character deaths were used as a cop out. I felt like Jaylie dying during the final battle and then waking up to it being over was more of a way to avoid having to flesh out the logistics of the battle than an impactful death. The last fight in DND is always the climax, it’s the biggest moment in the story, and I would have enjoyed getting to experience it on a deeper level.

Sharing to socials closer to pub date!

This was a fun, cozy book. Perfect mix of romance, self discovery, and D & D. I liked how the story entwined the D & D story as well as Sadie's. The recipes and info at the book were a nice touch.

This was so fun and so cute. I loved how the DnD campaign was built into the storyline. I have only a very basic understanding of DND myself, but never felt lost or confused—handled so well!

this was so cute and unique! i’ve never read a romance like this before and it was such a good experience. i absolutely loved the parts of their gameplay! this made me want to turn on baldur’s gate and play so badly. i loved the found family aspects of this and thought their friend group was so cute.

I loved the story-in-a-story in this novel. First, a young woman, Sadie/Josephine is in a small town in Texas; staying with her childhood friend. She is "regrouping" and needed a soft place to land after being fired from her job in NYC. Said friend is a D&D Dungeon Master; after years of asking her to play, she finally acquiesces, as a sign of good faith. So, on one hand, we have her going through this really tough time and re-evaluating her life and on the other, we're plunged into a D&D adventure game.

I really liked how these stories intertwined and how well the author did it. I enjoyed watching Sadie learn from her D&D character/persona and apply it to her real life. These characters leapt off the pages and this reader was totally invested in all the characters outcomes.