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Tactical Heart

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A Romantic Comedy by S.K. Rose - Coming 8.22.19

My name is Scarlett Mavis. I have a sweet tooth, no filters, and video games are my life.
Let me clarify that last part: They’re not a hobby; they’re not a way to kill the time; They. Are. My. LIFE.
Where family, men, and humans, in general, have failed me, video games are always there waiting for me to return to their warm and accepting embrace.
In real life I may be a heartbroken geek, but put a controller in my hands and I become an indestructible warrior.
What else does a girl really need?


Enter player two, Kane Decker.
Handsome, nerdy, incredible kisser, and just my type. Our first date was perfect in every way.
Then, like always, reality came crashing down with one simple truth.
He wasn’t my teammate; he was the enemy. And there’s nothing I’m better at than taking out a rival player.
But this isn’t a game, and the stakes are all too real.
For the first time in my life, I may have met my match.

Game on.

18+

Unknown Binding

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About the author

S.K. Rose

3 books567 followers
Remember the Reaper is S.K. Rose’s debut series. Crowned with Guilt is book one, Cleansed with Fire is the conclusion.

Rose lives in the hellish desert of Arizona with her newly appointed husband and two obnoxious cats. When she’s not writing, She enjoys reading, gaming, swearing like a drunk sailor, collecting swords, and obsessing over the magnificent sea creature: the octopus.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
Profile Image for BookSmackedMel.
916 reviews385 followers
August 18, 2019
Tactical Heart is an absolutely adorkable read that will have you cheering on the fiery red nerd girl and falling in love with her gamesis nerd boy.

A huge departure from her Angsty Remember the Reaper series, Tactical Heart shows how versatile S.K. Rose is.

I found myself snorting throughout this book with some of the clever one liners from S.K Rose. And while I’m not a gamer whatsoever I found myself relating to this book.

A story of finding your place in this world, embracing what you love and finding others that share that passion. All leading to lifelong friendships and in this particular case a completely cute love story.

The characters in this one were so likeable, I mean every single one of them from Scarlett and her kick ass gamer ways to Kane, who was sexy, nerdy and major book boyfriend material. I particularly loved Kane’s family they were absolutely hilarious, laid back and just fun. I honestly wanted to be part of it.

If you love quirky, adorable fun read that has some serious swoon moments then I absolutely suggest this book.
Profile Image for Katy Birch.
471 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2019
This is a book unlike any other. And I do mean unlike any other.

I've never been a huge game fan but fuck me, I wanna be a nerd!! I was hooked from the start. Scarlett is my kind of girl. Sassy but also smart and Kane, well let's just say, I won't say no to this hot nerd.

It was just incredible from start to finish. You love them both but then you want to curse and them both and bash their heads together. It was honestly incredible. I read shit loads but this will stay with me. Books start to become one and the same but this is so diverse and just fucking kick ass.

It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and I dare you to try and put this book down once you've started because it's damn hard to do. Who needs sleep right?

As soon as this comes out, get one clicking because you will not regret it, I promise. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,321 reviews2,167 followers
February 9, 2020
I'm not entirely sure why this worked for me. Or if it'll work for anyone not me. Which is weird because "giving the book its premise" included a lot of stuff to swallow that just don't work for actual gamers—not out of ignorance, mind. It's clear that Rose knows gamers and gaming. But lots of things were tailored for the purposes of the story* and I had to consciously swallow those for the story to work.

And I'm not sure how to categorize this, either. It's not really chick lit, though Scarlett goes through a growth arc like those you'd find there. But the alternate viewpoints and romantic emphasis indicate romance. But if so, it's an awkward romance because the leads have conflicting priorities and both compromise their growing relationship for other goals so there's lots of back and forth that would work better in, say, a straight-up sports/competition story. The most solid genre it really fits is New Adult and that may be why the others are so wonky. Being at the start of their life-paths and being unsure how to proceed and a character arc so tied to making mistakes and learning from them is a lot of what compromised those other, neater genre categorizations.

Anyway, navel-gazing aside, I did enjoy the story, mostly because I liked both protagonists immensely and could sympathize with them even when they made mistakes, misread each other, or simply made choices that surprised me. It doesn't hurt that the author clearly has a soft-spot for the kind of nerd I am and got the feel of it right even if she wonked around on some details.

So I'm giving this four solid stars based on how engaged I was, though I'm not sure that'll translate very well for anyone else. One thing that might guide you: that cover is one of the best I've seen for giving you a feel for exactly what this book turns out to be. Not only is that Scarlett to a 'T', but it has that playful, cheeky vibe that is a large part of the tone for the book. At least in my opinion.

A note about Steamy: There are five or six explicit sex scenes, though some are, er, quickies. So this is just barely edging into the high side of my steam tolerance. It's all NA sex, so it's adventurous and orgasms are everywhere and everybody knows exactly what to do all the time.

* Stuff Rose changed for the story (there's really only two, but they're big):
- Nobody and I mean nobody does Player vs. Player as their main thing. Okay, Eve Online, but that game pulls in all the people who actually want competitive play and leaves the psychotic nutbags for everyone else. Certain designers keep trying to make it work, but it just doesn't. This is the primary cause of death for the $million experiment that was Pathfinder Online—a game with a huge installed and highly expectant user base that crashed hard when the lead designer committed completely and irrevocably to worldwide PvP. I wish companies would finally learn the unrelenting truth that the 5% of the player base who hate themselves and want everyone else to be miserable like they are comprise 80% of the game experience by everybody else. Unfortunately, it's beyond tempting to offload the bulk of player engagement onto other players because creating content is expensive. But now I'm soapboxing so I'll move to the next point.
- No company wants expert players to be their interns/employees. Familiar with gaming, sure. But you don't prove excellence in any aspect of creating a game by mastering playing a game. Game companies know this. Some will hire from their installed player base for QA positions, but those jobs have high turnover rates because the reality of testing games is nothing like the image gamers build up of doing so. But the "best" players, the ones who will win big competitions in a game, will generally have really unbalanced lives because excellence at anything takes time that they aren't spending doing other things—things like working hard at a career/job/education. i.e. the kinds of things that make for productive employees...
Profile Image for Maia.
210 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2019
***3 gamer stars***

It's hard to categorize this book as good/bad or Okay. It was really good in parts, amazing in parts, shallow in parts, feminist in parts(champions woman empowerment) but also a bit sexist in parts (stereotyped most women except female lead).

Things I loved
1. The Concept - Male & Female leads are hardcore gamers, they go on a blind date which is a real success (instant chemistry) & later learn they're gaming enemies so it turns into a love-hate trope
2. The Sex scenes - As a result of being gaming nemesis' they have a lot of spontaneous combusting intercourse, that was hot
3. The leads - I can definitely point out one or two flaws they had which didn't exactly make them my perfect ficitional characters but I guess that made them real in a sense.
4. The plot - the plot was well structured, just wish it was handled a wee bit better, coming to that in the next bit.

Things I disliked
1. Most (not all) of the female characters except the female lead were made to seem shallow/dumb just because they weren't into gaming like the female lead was. It's the opposite of nerd shaming, it's non-nerd shaming. Female lead was a spunky hot-chick gamer...so everyone else paled in comparison in this world (according to the H & h)
2. The conflicts were too easily resolved. It merely brushed the surface. The female lead's issues with her mum, the issues b/w the H & h - all of them were resolved with a little flick of the wrist it seemed like. A little too convenient. At least the M & F lead conflict was kinda drawn out. But not much.
3. At points I didn't really feel like the female lead was a true nerd (although this was a heavily sold idea to the reader, that she was a true nerd). She was a late bloomer sure but then she was described as super hot by the H, whereas the h herself thought she was mediocre so not sure who was right but I'm guessing she was hot since the H couldn't stop thinking it. Aside from that she was crass, partied occasionally, super confident with sex even, smoked pot etc (sure she preferred staying in for majority of the time). But it honestly felt like if you removed the gaming aspect she wasn't really a nerd. It was just due to the gaming that she was a hermit. Otherwise she was an emo-rocker chick it felt like. Real introverts wouldn't relate to her.

To sum it up I'd definitely recommend this to fellow readers because the concept is rare for a change, it's not something you've NEVER come across just that it's super RARE. It's a good break from every book that's almost the same out there. It's definitely unique. Also the love-hate aspect is really believable & there's definitely great chemistry. So if you're looking for a quick cozy read with a rare concept book, do pick this up. You won't be paying much attention to the flaws when you're reading it
207 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2019
Scarlett and Kane are big in the gaming world. They are set up on a blind date which turned out really well until things are uncovered. To find out that you’re date is you competition and there is a hurtful past between you, but then you discover you can’t leave the other person alone. More feelings get involved and then fear – how do you overcome this? Can Scarlett and Kane push past their fears before it’s too late?
Books by S.K. Rose kick the feels into high gear and Tactical Heart is no different. Love this story!!!
Profile Image for Ashley Helton.
31 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2019
This book is amazing!! I was laughing and crying! Scarlet and Kane are the couple we can all relate to, being misfits and not in the popular crowd. Soul mates do exist and S. K. Rose you showed us that in this book!! S. K. Rose your an amazing author and cane write anything!! Its book was more than I could have imagined. I loved looking into the gaming world. Thank you again for another amazing book!! Do Wren and Nessa get a book?? Love you!!
Profile Image for Your Mom.
75 reviews33 followers
August 17, 2019
"Lots of things are happening right now, and I'm not thinking straight. Magical kisses, sexy bikes, and dragon rings- I can't let his wizardly ways cloud my senses."

How someone can write something so emotionally brutal as the Reaper duet and then come back and create this perfect romcom is nothing short of sorcery.

I am bias, because I love S.K. Rose on a stalker level, but I also won't bullshit anyone into thinking something is fantastic if it isn't (in my not so humble opinion obviously), and Tactical Heart is fucking fantastic (shout-out to Goodreads for allowing me to curse, btw, Fuck You, Amazon).

I finished Tactical Heart in one sitting (or overnight, as I tend to read when this side of the world sleeps), it was light, fun (seriously fun) and sexy in all the right ways. I can say there was no draaaaaama (extra a's for emphasis on the fact that I read a lot of over the top drama normally), but there was a hurdle of hurt that our nerd babies, Scarlett and Kane, needed to climb over before getting their adorably perfect HEA. The inner dialogue was just as quick witted as the back and forth between the characters.

Tactical Heart spoke one of my deeply rooted love languages: nerd love. The gaming culture is something I've always skirted the edges of, not a 'serious' gamer but I've always had a console (or three) in the house since I've been a baby nerd and I SIM like a motherfucker so.... it's a part of me. My own spouse is a serious gamer and my spawn have it coded into their DNA, so basically, yes. Just yes yes yes to all the cultural references, and relating to Scarlett in a truly realistic way (escaping into gaming).

I laughed, I swooned, and S.K. Rose has leveled up. Legit Boss. Auto Buy Author, One Click Bitch, Magical Octoqueen, I could go on.

TLDR; if you love light, sexy fun with a sharp witted gamer girl, and a sweet, smart ass gamer boy then you MUST read this.
Profile Image for Erika P.
1,016 reviews163 followers
August 22, 2019
"Somebody slap me 'cause I'm on the verge of a romance novel swoon: hand across my forehead, pathetic little sigh, and crash to the floor type of situation."

I fell in love with a NERD and I LOVED it!!! But not just any Nerd, he was hot, and he was funny, and he may have frustrated me just as much as he made me swoon!! I had such a great time reading all of these characters, I laughed, I fanned myself, and didn't want to put it down. While I'm not into video games and such, it didn't detract from a great read!! They drove me nuts at times, but the romance was truly off the charts!! They both bumbled and made mistakes, but the things they did for each other had me melting to the floor. It was different in the best way, and I laughed my butt off almost the entire time!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!

"Magical Kisses, sexy bikes, and dragon rings-I can't let his wizardly ways cloud my senses."

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog

Profile Image for Caitie Segroves.
86 reviews
December 13, 2019
Once again, S.K. Rose gave me all the feels. She never disappoints!!! I loved Scarlett and Kane!! They're a couple all misfits can relate to. S.K. gave us a couple different from the usual steamy, ultra sexy, unrealistic and unrelatable couples a lot of authors write. I fell in love, and I laughed. All the side characters are just as loveable!! Chalk up another great one for SK!!
Profile Image for Silvia Andrito.
333 reviews20 followers
July 26, 2020
An ok read

The story was light, the conflict stemming mostly from misunderstanding, with lots of humor thrown in. I will say, as a “gamer girl”, that this story plays a lot on older stereotypes. Girls and women are not that rare in the gaming community anymore (haven’t been in a while). So, while I understand what the author was going for there, it just made me roll my eyes a lot.
Btw, did the cover and main character give anyone Felicia Day vibes?
69 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2019
S.K. Rose gives us a glimpse into her real life nerd side with Tactical Heart. I’m sure it was way out of her comfort zone to write this story, that’s so different from her previous work. That’s ballsy. It’s a risk. And for S.K. It paid off. This book was amazing. I think it is actually my favourite of her work this far.

This story is different, is not your average love story. These characters aren’t your typical characters and the subject matter is well, nerdy. Which is actually completely refreshing for me. I’m not a huge gamer, and don’t know the ins and outs but S.K. made it easy to follow along with their nerd language and gamer stuff.

Let’s start with the characters, I actually love the lead fella. Usually I am a side fella type of girl but this ‘hero’ is just so adorable that he totally stole my heart. He’s not perfect. He’s not the smoothest. But he’s freaking adorably dorky in the hottest way. The gal? She’s a feisty and kind of a dick. She actually kind of reminds me of me, mind you I can’t play a video game to save my life, I’m the turn the controller to make the car turn type of player. So I really actually didn’t want to stab this gal in the eye with a fork, which is usually how I feel about heroines. She’s in some ways your typical girl but in other ways she completely herself. I don’t actually know how to describe her.

The supporting characters were awesome. Such a wide range of different personalities. Each brining a unique quirk to the story.

The family had a strong presence in this story. It was shown from strong to struggling. And actually the families brought so much to this story in my opinion. It was an element I really enjoyed.

I Iiked the various settings of the book as well. There whole world was slightly different from the other collage age books I’ve heard and it was refreshing.

Okay I’ll touch on the #nerdsex. Nerds like to get the sexy times just like everyone else. And let me tell you S.K. does not disappoint with tell us all about the #nerdsex. Just gonna day, #nerdsex is hot. There I said it.

In the end this was an adorably funny romantic comedy. I have to say I went in expecting nerd level 10 and well that’s actually what I got. So well written and easy to follow, different and refreshing, I loved it. Definitely a 5 star read. So go geek out with Kane and Scarlett. It’s a hoot of a time.
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
August 14, 2019
5 Stars
Review by Alysia
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog


S.K. Rose has done it again! Tactical Heart was a wonderful light-hearted read. It’s different than her past books in the fact that her previous stories were dark and twisted. This one was the complete opposite.

Scarlett is a game nerd. She eats, lives and breathes gaming. Which makes it hard to date because most guys don’t understand her obsession with games.

Kane is happy doing his own thing and focusing on gaming. When his roommate bribes him to go on a blind date with his girlfriend’s sister, Kane expects it to be a horrendous date. Little did he know then that it would be the best night of his life. When morning comes, everything hits the fan when Scarlett accidentally finds his gamer tag, which is the same has her game nemesis. They battle the feelings they have with each other while also battling to win an internship as the best technology company in the nation.

I loved how S.K. Rose used game lingo throughout the book but shared a glossary at the end so people like me who aren’t gamers can easily understand the lingo! I loved how funny each character was. I also loved how Nessa would throw in Spanish words to get her point across. It made me love her more!

The relationship Scarlett has with her mom is so relatable. Scarlett always felt that she was different from her mom and that she was constantly a disappointment. When in fact they just hadn’t found common ground and were unable to have a conversation without arguing.

Kane’s relationship with his family was the complete opposite in the fact that they were supportive of all of Kane’s dreams. His parents knew how to relate to all of their children and show each child love in the way the child needed. I loved both sides!!!

It’s hard for me sit down for long periods of time and just read, but this book sucked me in and I did nothing except read all day.

Wonderful job S.K. Rose!! I can’t wait for the next one.

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,411 reviews24 followers
August 19, 2019
Oh. Em. Gee! My little nerd heart freaking loved this book! I am familiar with gaming and all that jazz, but no where near as hardcore as Scarlett and Kane, but the relatability of this book is freaking everything-- I am a huge fan!

Scarlett is a loud and proud gamer girl, she has worked hard to build up her profile in a world that is mostly dominated by men. Meeting a guy that can understand her first love is down right impossible, until Kane. Problem is that Kane gets it TOO well and they are rivals with a lot of beef, what happens when the person that is your enemy might be the one that sets your soul on fire?

This book was absolutely incredible and flowed at a super awesome pace. My nerd heart loved EVERY single second of it! The characters are just down right real and you can feel their emotions. The supporting characters are freaking hilarious and make it even better! Also, who knew that two gamer nerds can have so much chemistry? Scarlett and Kane lit my freaking kindle on fire reading about their chemistry!

All in all, if you are a fan of the slightly nerdy stuff, this book is 100% for you! If you are a noob, you can still enjoy this book as it was light and refreshing and just downright awesome! Mad props goes gout to SK Rose for creating this baby, you forever have a new fan! <3

I received an advanced copy of this book to read and review honestly and would like to thank SK Rose and Enticing Journey Book Promotions for allowing me the pleasure to do so!
Profile Image for Natasha.
587 reviews29 followers
January 6, 2021
Scarlett Mavis has a sweet tooth, doesn't have any filters, and video games are her life. She doesn't just play for a hobby- they are her life. Her escape from the real world. Her passion, and inspiration. Where real life has failed her, video games accepted her for exactly who she is. 

Kane Decker is exactly Scarlett's type. Handsome, nerdy, and an incredible kisser. After a perfect first date- reality didn't just come knocking on her door, it came crashing through it. Kane isn't Scarlett's teammate- but her nemisis. There is nothing Scarlett is better at then taking out a rival player- but has Scarlett finally met her match? 

I have LOVED SK Rose's debut Duet Remember The Reaper- where she brought all the angst and emotion. But Tactical Heart we see a whole other side of SK Rose- and she did not disappoint! It's a cute and nerdy gamer enemies to lovers romance. I laughed,  I swooned, I geeked out, and I fell in love with Scarlett and Kane's characters and this story. The chemistry between these two characters was undeniable. The sass, snark, and one liners were witty and enjoyable. The nerd was strong with this one. If you love fun romances that bring on the funny, nerdy characters that are crazy relatable, red hot chemistry, and back and forth banter, then you need to pick up this book! 5 sweet & sassy ⭐ out of 5⭐. 
Profile Image for Lisa Rangel.
240 reviews47 followers
August 11, 2019
OML!! I waited for this story to come out and lets just say I freaking love Kane & Scarlett.. Ofc with Nessa and Wren also lol..

YOu want to read rom com that will have you laughing through the whole book you need this book in your life.. Ofc like you see its a gamer book, but don't worry, you have glossary about the meanings of some of the gamer terms.

Scarlett is a gamer who nobody think can kick a mans ass at video games... Which she proves everyone wrong. Her sister decides to set her up with her boyfriends best friend, who is also a gamer nerd like her.. Lets just they hit it off on the first date. Til a past moment comes out and she decides she no longer wants to have anything to do with him.. But come on how can you resist a gamer who is giving you multiple orgasms at once, right? Lol..

" I think you've learned a valuable lesson in sexism here today, Kane. Never underestimate the power of the vagina."

"It's about to go down"

" Hush now, dancing queen, this way."

But Tactical Heart is game that both of them are competing to be the bestest and to win an internship with the company... "Like they may the best man win"

GAME OVER!!!
Profile Image for E.
33 reviews
August 25, 2019
If you’ve read SK Rose’s debut duet- Remember the Reaper (which was AMAZING!!) and you’re expecting Tactical Heart to be similar. It isn’t. Tactical heart is a lighthearted romcom... not sugary-sweet (though, Scarlett does love her sweet candy), it’s authentic, and REAL.

Kane and Scarlett each have their own past to overcome, and their future to grasp and embrace. They are both gamers—but don’t feel like you *have* to be a fellow gamer to read this book— you don’t, SK provides the lingo, and definitions so us, non-gamers can still understand what I’ve come to realize is gamer- language. Yes, they have their own words, their own acronyms, and terminology...but that’s how awesome SK is; she made it authentic. After reading Tactical Heart you come away from this with true knowledge, and a sense of belonging. A sense of real girl power, also. #whosearealgamersnowbitch #realgamerz

Tactical Heart it is definitely not a repeat of any other story I’ve read (thank god!) it’s original, it’s heart-felt, and so much unlike anything you would have read before that the characters will stick with you, you’ll remember the story line, and the whole book for along while.
Profile Image for Yeri (wildflowerreader).
1,519 reviews79 followers
August 22, 2019
Delicious nerdy romcom

This incredible romcom comes after author SK Rose released into the world her dark and angsty heartbreaking debut duet Remember The Reaper.

I don't know where this author was hiding but, with this third release it feels like she's been writing stories for ages.

Tactical Heart is filled with lighthearted humor, steamy sexiness, some,angst to you know balance turnabout and one heck of a leading lady that made my little "i kissed a girl and i liked it" heart pitter patter like nobody's business... the hero was great too.
I laughed until I cried and then laughed some more.
Between Scarlett friendship with her pain in the rear end friend Nessa, her video gaming antics that are so accurate to real life gamers and her budding hate to love to love to hate romance with Kane I was a goner.

Rose's writing is outstanding. I can close my eyes and see these characters in my head, I can see this story unfold.

I don't know what else the future might bring us from S.K. Rose but, I cannot wait. GAME ON!
Profile Image for Janet Villareal.
202 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2019
SK Rose has proven she is not only a queen of dark & angsty but she’s also a queen with rom coms.

I FLOVED everything about Tactical Heart, from the banter between Scar & Kane to spanglish speaking Nessa.

This rom com will have you scratching your head at some of the terminology because let’s face it, a lot of us are noobs (haha see what I did there) BUT Rose has provided us with a glossary for the gamer terminology like the awesome thinks of everything author that she is. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry from laughing, you’ll laugh some more, and sigh with happiness.

I also really loved every character that was introduced, well maybe not Scars mom at first but I eventually loved her too.

Overall I absolutely loved and adored Tactical Heart. SK Rose is genius and diverse in her writing. This is only her 3rd book but she has shown she is a force to be reckoned with and is taking the romance world by storm! Bravo Rose Bravo 👏🏻👏🏻
Profile Image for Jennifer Gomez.
98 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2019
Five stars isn't enough for this book.

This book is nothing like her debut duet. It's fun, light, quirky, and absolutely hysterical (do not eat while reading. I almost died from laughing and choked on my dinner) .

These characters are so full of life you can't help but get pulled in. Scarlett is unapologetically herself. She refuses to change for anything or anyone. Kane happens to love that about her. Their love story is one I won't forget.

Being a girl gamer this book felt so personal. She truly understands the struggle. Don't worry if you aren't a gamer. S.K. gives you all the lingo and by the time your done you'll know all about gamer words and be able to hang with the best of them.

I really can't say enough about this book. It's amazing. I'm getting it in paperback because... well have you seen the cover???
42 reviews
August 11, 2019
Authors first romantic comedy and she did not disappoint!
This book hits close to my heart being a making nerd who no one understood in school but a handful of people I understood the characters and what they was feeling. Scar and Kane’s story is humorous, full of feisty lol moments and some hot steamy scenes! I read it in one sitting I just could not but this down! Everything that was designed to tear these two apart only brought them closer in the end. Amazing job Sk you knocked the romantic comedy genre outta the park!! ❤️ Can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next! I recommend this book! Y’all don’t wanna miss this one!!
Profile Image for Meeg.
150 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2019
Cute

Cute and feisty. Even is nongamers can relate to the unfairness of judging. Scarlet is a fun and feisty nerd aka the best kind
Profile Image for BLuvsBooks.
688 reviews126 followers
April 28, 2020
I was looking for a different trope to read and I found this New to me author and Rom Com!
Tactical heart was funny, cute, nerdy, quirky and amazing writing!
Several laugh out loud moments but also pull at your heart strings and steamy scenes too.
If you want something funny, flirty, smart, and an HEA I recommend this rom com!

“Scarlett’s sexy, sassy, and a gamer. I’ve met girls with one, maybe two, out of the three qualities, but she’s the whole damn nerd girl trifecta—I might as well be on a date with a unicorn.”


Because I loved SK Rose writing so much I’m looking forward to reading her other books that are my typical trope- dark romance.

Standalone
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,810 reviews401 followers
August 21, 2019
S.K.Rose is all about extreme emotions. If her last release made me cry and curse and feel all kind of angsty heartbreaking emotions, her next release Tactical Heart was exactly opposite end of spectrum. It witty, hilarious and smart. It was perfect with sarcasm and sass. It has some absolutely lovable and downright awesome characters. And the sweet, swoonworthy and heartwarming love filled my heart to the brim.



Scarlett is my new idol. This nerdy ,crazy and cool as hell girl is something else. I want to be her best friend as she is too awesome with her sassy attitude, sharp witty tongue and strength of an amazing woman. And Kane is THE GUY. You know that guy who will make you melt, make your panties a lost cause and send butterflies in your stomach with his awkward confidence and charm. Well he can be a complete idiot and jerk sometimes but Scarlett showed him his place. The gaming world with all it's quirky people is like a third character in this book. And so is the friends and families. Honestly I will not forget a single charcter in this story. The sexy, flirty and fiercely latina best friend of Scarlett. The loud and almost obnoxious family of Kane. No one.



Let's talk about the storyline. This is a completely unique and refreshing story set in the gaming world. Which is competitive, extreme and most importantly, non judgemental and embraces people like Scarlett and Kane. A safe place. An escape. And Scarlett and Kane got familiar in this world, became enemies and then fall in love. But the road was topsy turvy with challenges, misunderstandings and heartbreaks. And the writing of S.K.Rose has inserted so much fun and humor in this story along to true emotions. Both the lead characters are a bit emotionally stunted, have trust issues and too good to make too bad decisions on impulse. They are stubborn but they crave each other because they fit like two puzzle pieces. It was really the complete package.


S.K.Rose exceeded my expectations in Tactical Heart. My heart was laughing, praying and swooning so hard. Emotions flow through her words effortlessly and smoothly. An unexpected, irresistible and brilliant love story.


Received ARC for honest review.
Profile Image for Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf).
1,429 reviews22 followers
August 22, 2019
The sweetest nerd romance story I’ve ever read! After a tough childhood where she felt that she didn’t fit in because of her love of gaming, Scarlett has made it her mission in life to be successful at what she loves to do. Going to school for video game design while preparing to compete for a coveted internship with her favorite video game company, she is full speed ahead to hitting her goals. Pushed by her best friend and sister to go out and date after another burn from a guy, she is set up on a blind date with Kane. Kane is a gamer and fellow nerd who is working hard to get the internship in order to help provide better for his family. When he is bribed by his roommate to go on a blind date, he’s anticipating the worst, and surprisingly (but not really), he and Scarlett get along instantly and the attraction grows. Scarlett is unapologetically herself and it shows with her upfront personality and attitude. But as much as she’s attracted to him, once she finds out he’s non other than her arch nemesis in the gaming world, she vows to never speak to him again and crush him in the competition. The bulk of this book is the pair finding each other after Scarlett’s self-imposed silence towards Kane, even though the attraction is through the roof. As the competition gets closer though, it’s a toss up as to who will win and if this couple will end up together. These characters and storyline are a risk, but it definitely paid off for this author, especially with a lot of people feeling they fall under the nerd category. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see if we get Max’s story or Wren’s!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ladawn Presas.
18 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2019
Tactical Heart
By S.K. Rose
I few notes for the book. First off the begining started off with a bang. Few hiccups in the middle and the end was fantastic. Hot and heavy sex scenes. Stereotypes be damned with this book. I loved the sister banter and really all the little banters with her friends and with Kane. I cant relate her diving into an alternate world when feeling down we all do that in some form. Mine happens to be reading. I think what's really great about this book is that S.K. included definitions for gamer lingo. Alot books either explain it out as part of the story, which I hate. I feel like when this happens it's just filler for the story. Or they dont explain it at all so your left either clueless or you look it up your self. Which makes me wants to stop ready the book.
This goes back to the stereotyping. Have to place something on this sexist B.S. lol I know its part of the story but I hate a man who believes a girl can't do what they can do. It's that song "i can do anything better then you!" Bitches we need to believe in this shit. It's real! We can sustain so much more then any man ever could. Just speaking the truth. I love books about strong female characters believing in womans rights.
'Gamesplaining' where I have I hear this from?🤔
Overall the story line was amazing and once again the amazing Octoqueen has blown it out of the water.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for M Will.
965 reviews15 followers
August 12, 2019
Tactical Heart is a definite 5 star read in my opinion. A fun, funky rom-com that I hope everyone loves as much as I do. Seriously, these characters are amazing. I am so happy the main characters aren't just stupidly hot people with an angsty past. Nope, they are nerdy and they like it. Kane and Scarlett are quirky and unashamed of their love of gaming. I love this so much. It's refreshing. While Scarlett has issues with her past, she has accepted herself and exudes confidence. This is awesome. I love strong heroines. And there is no denying the chemistry between Kane and Scarlett is hot.
What happens when you meet someone who just gets you but has a secret that you cannot overlook? Chaos. Chaos happens. This story had me laughing, groaning and yelling at both Kane and Scarlett throughout the book. I enjoyed every second of this story. Once again, SK created characters that make me feel as if I've known them forever. Even the secondary characters seem so familiar, like long lost friends. I won't lie - I need more of these characters. Perhaps a novella in the future about some of those secondary characters, SK? This book is a definite must re-read.
Profile Image for Stephanie Crews.
611 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2019
Kane and Scarlett were such a hoot to read, she is such a smartass, I loved her character!

This book is so different from other Ms. Rose's Reaper series, it goes to show her talent had no ends. I never thought I would enjoy reading a book in the video game world, but what a surprise and dang this world was is so cut throat. Sometimes it's hard for people to find their passion in life, and to find someone that feels the same as you do, makes for a long lasting friendship or love. Although, after that blind date, we are on a wild ride, "Never underestimate the power of the vagina", that is my favorite line in the whole book. I found myself using the glossary to get all the gamer terminology, or I asked my hubby he knew most all it.

S.K. wrote such an original story, it's nice sometimes to get from the insta love genre, and read something that wasn't in my comfort zone, although we still get the steamy love scene's we all want. You can't help but love Kane and Scarlett, from her snarky attitude and Kane's sexiness, to his zany and fun loving family, make you wish you could be a part of it all. I sure hope we get Nessa's story in the near future.

Profile Image for Samantha.
302 reviews
August 22, 2019
5 stars isn't enough for this Romcom, I absolutely loved S.K. Rose work.
My husband and I are kinda like Scarlett and Kane, i'm not as much as a gamer as he is but I could relate to the story, It's funny it took me a little longer to finish this book and not because it wasn't amazing, but Scarlett and my lovely husband brought out the gamer in me and I ended up spending a little to much time gaming.
Scarlett had a rough childhood she wasn't the prettiest in school and her sister had all the looks, she turned to gaming to find place in the world where she would be accepted .
Kane on the other hand had a loving family, his father was a huge gaming and passed the torch on to his 3 sons. Scarlett and Kane get set up on a blind date, everything was going perfect till the following morning when Scarlett hit the keyboard on Kane's computer and finds out that he is her in game enemy.
They both try out for this amazing opportunity for a paid internship at a big name game company. To find out what happens next you really need to read this story, you won't regret it, I loved it from start to finish.
Amazing work S.K. Rose, can't wait to see what you have planned next <3
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
August 15, 2019
My nerdy little heart is going to explode! Tactical Heart is a romance loving nerd’s dream come true. It’s seriously funny, beyond adorable and has all the feels! As a full on geeky bookworm that’s married to a gamer the blurb was like catnip to me, I had to read this. But let me tell you as awesome as the blurb is, it’s got nothing on just how freaking awesome the entire book is.
Scarlett has me cracking up so much. She’s sassy, full of attitude, funny, sarcastic, a sugar addict...basically she’s my new girl crush. Despite her tough attitude a past of being bullied still has her self confidence shaken at times, but not enough to keep her from dusting herself off and coming back even stronger.
And then Kane? Three words. Total. Nerdy. Hotness. And he’s funny. And sweet. And, well, stupid at times. But let’s be real, who isn’t? He also gets bonus points for his hilarious and sweet family (I would diiiiiiie for more books with his family *hint hint*) together Kane and Scarlett make enemies to lovers a hilarious and sweet ride that I never wanted to get off of!
Profile Image for Mrs Kindle Addict.
193 reviews
August 29, 2019
LOVE LOVE LOVEDDD IT! 5 BIG FAT STARS*****

"For me, I eat, sleep, and breathe video games. It's not just fun; it's a lifestyle."

Tactical Heart was honestly one of the best rom-com books I have read in a while!! Being a massive gamer myself I related to this book so much! It was just such a refreshing read and nice to read something different for a change! I was hooked from the very first page and binged read it, in one sitting!

Kane and Scarlett? Well what can I say about them both, other then I fricking loved them!! They were such fun and I was literally smiling and laughing throughout this whole book! I loved Kane's family, as they seemed like such fun to be around and so laid back!

If your looking for a fun, nerdy, lighthearted, rom-com book, then your in the right place! Go check it out as I can't recommend this book enough!

I'm so happy I come across S K Rose & I can't wait to read more!

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
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