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Gamer Girls #2
Against the Rules
RISK EVERYTHING . . .
Holly has taken herself out of the dating game since breaking up with her cheating, thieving ex. She barely notices Marc, who comes into the game store every week, hoping to get her attention. Her friends insist it’s time to take on a new role, to leave Quiet Holly behind and embrace her inner flirt. And on paper, Marc’s great: cute, funny, and a hardcore gamer just like Holly is.
Then there’s Nathan. He’s everything twenty-eight-year-old Holly wants…except he’s also her friend’s father. Absolutely off-limits. But as she and Nathan playtest a new legacy game together, they’re growing closer. The game is complex and intriguing, and there’s no way to know how choices will pan out. What seems like a good idea could lead to disaster…or sweet victory. But in gaming, as in love, sometimes you have to roll the dice and take your chance . . .
Holly has taken herself out of the dating game since breaking up with her cheating, thieving ex. She barely notices Marc, who comes into the game store every week, hoping to get her attention. Her friends insist it’s time to take on a new role, to leave Quiet Holly behind and embrace her inner flirt. And on paper, Marc’s great: cute, funny, and a hardcore gamer just like Holly is.
Then there’s Nathan. He’s everything twenty-eight-year-old Holly wants…except he’s also her friend’s father. Absolutely off-limits. But as she and Nathan playtest a new legacy game together, they’re growing closer. The game is complex and intriguing, and there’s no way to know how choices will pan out. What seems like a good idea could lead to disaster…or sweet victory. But in gaming, as in love, sometimes you have to roll the dice and take your chance . . .
- GenresRomanceContemporary
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2019
4 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
About the author
Laura Heffernan
19 books409 followersLaura Heffernan once broke up with her now-husband during a board game after realizing that he was ahead 96-3. She hasn't played that particular game since. Her best friend still talks about the Great Uno Card Throwing Incident of 2003. Yet, somehow, Laura insists that she is incredibly gracious whether winning or losing. She lives in the northeast with her husband, new baby, and two furry little beasts.
Laura loves connecting with readers. Find her on her website, www.lauraheffernan.com, Facebook, www.facebook.com/lauraheffernanbooks, or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LH_writes, where she spends far too much time tweeting about reality TV and Canadian chocolate.
Laura loves connecting with readers. Find her on her website, www.lauraheffernan.com, Facebook, www.facebook.com/lauraheffernanbooks, or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LH_writes, where she spends far too much time tweeting about reality TV and Canadian chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 19, 2019
Read this review on our blog Nen and Jen
Against the Rules: A story of taking the chance at love and rolling the dice to risk it all.
As one of the people who fell in love with board games when I was young, I expected to have all sorts of sentimental feels with this book. Against the Rules certainly met my high challenge. Holly’s enthusiasm for games and the unbridled excitement when you play for the first time pulled on my heart strings. It reminded me of when I was younger and the most exciting part of my week would be playing board games with friends. Yes, I was one of those kids. You know the type – the ones who barely ever leave the house. I related with Holly a lot and found myself unexpectedly absorbed in this story.
CHARACTERS
HOLLY – As I’ve mentioned, Holly was my favourite character in this story. She displayed a goodness and youthful enthusiasm that was contagious. I found myself contacting my friends in the hope of forming a game club (no luck! It seems that my excitement for starting a weekly game night wasn’t for everyone). What also made Holly endearing to me was her crush on Nathan – the ruggedly handsome older gamer in her club. Oh, and also her best friends dad. Awkward. I love a good dose of conflict and awkwardness in a story. Plus, I’m a sucker for the age difference trope. Love is love and age shouldn’t matter in my opinion, so to see this explored in this story was a definite point in the pro column for me!
NATHAN – I loved Nathan. He was charming, considerate and strong-willed. As a father and hardcore gamer, he had nailed down the responsibility aspect of his life while still being hopeful for finding love. How can you resist a man willing to risk it all for true love? I’m a sap, so Nathan’s strength in standing up to his disapproving daughter gained my affection and respect. He stood up for his feelings for Holly and this was a refreshing surprise. In many novels (even though I still love them) the relationship crumbles under familial disapproval so I adored the fact that he was willing to risk it all. I couldn’t help but find myself supportive of the way they fought for love.
THE GAMERS – Laura Heffernan has done something that all authors hope to do. She’s created a story that has not only coveted my attention but has also invested my interest in the supporting characters. I can’t wait to read more about them and see what direction the series takes. While I found myself often annoyed by Glen, I became intrigued in the prospect of a relationship between Shannon and Tyler. I loved the unrequited attraction trope that was budding between those two. I’m eager to see where their story takes them in the third instalment Make Your Move. Hopefully I love it as much as I adored this one!
This book had the perfect amount of conflict and steamy romance. The prospect of dating your friend’s Dad could be seen as too taboo for some readers, but this author managed to write a heartfelt story of two people separated by time but no less in love for it. It was respectful to the nature of this relationship and shared character perspective that showcased the internal conflict of love and guilt that is often associated with these relationships. I loved it and cannot wait for more!
Arc received from Kensington Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Merged review:
Against the Rules: A story of taking the chance at love and rolling the dice to risk it all.
As one of the people who fell in love with board games when I was young, I expected to have all sorts of sentimental feels with this book. Against the Rules certainly met my high challenge. Holly’s enthusiasm for games and the unbridled excitement when you play for the first time pulled on my heart strings. It reminded me of when I was younger and the most exciting part of my week would be playing board games with friends. Yes, I was one of those kids. You know the type – the ones who barely ever leave the house. I related with Holly a lot and found myself unexpectedly absorbed in this story.
CHARACTERS
HOLLY – As I’ve mentioned, Holly was my favourite character in this story. She displayed a goodness and youthful enthusiasm that was contagious. I found myself contacting my friends in the hope of forming a game club (no luck! It seems that my excitement for starting a weekly game night wasn’t for everyone). What also made Holly endearing to me was her crush on Nathan – the ruggedly handsome older gamer in her club. Oh, and also her best friends dad. Awkward. I love a good dose of conflict and awkwardness in a story. Plus, I’m a sucker for the age difference trope. Love is love and age shouldn’t matter in my opinion, so to see this explored in this story was a definite point in the pro column for me!
NATHAN – I loved Nathan. He was charming, considerate and strong-willed. As a father and hardcore gamer, he had nailed down the responsibility aspect of his life while still being hopeful for finding love. How can you resist a man willing to risk it all for true love? I’m a sap, so Nathan’s strength in standing up to his disapproving daughter gained my affection and respect. He stood up for his feelings for Holly and this was a refreshing surprise. In many novels (even though I still love them) the relationship crumbles under familial disapproval so I adored the fact that he was willing to risk it all. I couldn’t help but find myself supportive of the way they fought for love.
THE GAMERS – Laura Heffernan has done something that all authors hope to do. She’s created a story that has not only coveted my attention but has also invested my interest in the supporting characters. I can’t wait to read more about them and see what direction the series takes. While I found myself often annoyed by Glen, I became intrigued in the prospect of a relationship between Shannon and Tyler. I loved the unrequited attraction trope that was budding between those two. I’m eager to see where their story takes them in the third instalment Make Your Move. Hopefully I love it as much as I adored this one!
This book had the perfect amount of conflict and steamy romance. The prospect of dating your friend’s Dad could be seen as too taboo for some readers, but this author managed to write a heartfelt story of two people separated by time but no less in love for it. It was respectful to the nature of this relationship and shared character perspective that showcased the internal conflict of love and guilt that is often associated with these relationships. I loved it and cannot wait for more!
Against the Rules: A story of taking the chance at love and rolling the dice to risk it all.
As one of the people who fell in love with board games when I was young, I expected to have all sorts of sentimental feels with this book. Against the Rules certainly met my high challenge. Holly’s enthusiasm for games and the unbridled excitement when you play for the first time pulled on my heart strings. It reminded me of when I was younger and the most exciting part of my week would be playing board games with friends. Yes, I was one of those kids. You know the type – the ones who barely ever leave the house. I related with Holly a lot and found myself unexpectedly absorbed in this story.
CHARACTERS
HOLLY – As I’ve mentioned, Holly was my favourite character in this story. She displayed a goodness and youthful enthusiasm that was contagious. I found myself contacting my friends in the hope of forming a game club (no luck! It seems that my excitement for starting a weekly game night wasn’t for everyone). What also made Holly endearing to me was her crush on Nathan – the ruggedly handsome older gamer in her club. Oh, and also her best friends dad. Awkward. I love a good dose of conflict and awkwardness in a story. Plus, I’m a sucker for the age difference trope. Love is love and age shouldn’t matter in my opinion, so to see this explored in this story was a definite point in the pro column for me!
NATHAN – I loved Nathan. He was charming, considerate and strong-willed. As a father and hardcore gamer, he had nailed down the responsibility aspect of his life while still being hopeful for finding love. How can you resist a man willing to risk it all for true love? I’m a sap, so Nathan’s strength in standing up to his disapproving daughter gained my affection and respect. He stood up for his feelings for Holly and this was a refreshing surprise. In many novels (even though I still love them) the relationship crumbles under familial disapproval so I adored the fact that he was willing to risk it all. I couldn’t help but find myself supportive of the way they fought for love.
THE GAMERS – Laura Heffernan has done something that all authors hope to do. She’s created a story that has not only coveted my attention but has also invested my interest in the supporting characters. I can’t wait to read more about them and see what direction the series takes. While I found myself often annoyed by Glen, I became intrigued in the prospect of a relationship between Shannon and Tyler. I loved the unrequited attraction trope that was budding between those two. I’m eager to see where their story takes them in the third instalment Make Your Move. Hopefully I love it as much as I adored this one!
This book had the perfect amount of conflict and steamy romance. The prospect of dating your friend’s Dad could be seen as too taboo for some readers, but this author managed to write a heartfelt story of two people separated by time but no less in love for it. It was respectful to the nature of this relationship and shared character perspective that showcased the internal conflict of love and guilt that is often associated with these relationships. I loved it and cannot wait for more!
Arc received from Kensington Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Merged review:
Against the Rules: A story of taking the chance at love and rolling the dice to risk it all.
As one of the people who fell in love with board games when I was young, I expected to have all sorts of sentimental feels with this book. Against the Rules certainly met my high challenge. Holly’s enthusiasm for games and the unbridled excitement when you play for the first time pulled on my heart strings. It reminded me of when I was younger and the most exciting part of my week would be playing board games with friends. Yes, I was one of those kids. You know the type – the ones who barely ever leave the house. I related with Holly a lot and found myself unexpectedly absorbed in this story.
CHARACTERS
HOLLY – As I’ve mentioned, Holly was my favourite character in this story. She displayed a goodness and youthful enthusiasm that was contagious. I found myself contacting my friends in the hope of forming a game club (no luck! It seems that my excitement for starting a weekly game night wasn’t for everyone). What also made Holly endearing to me was her crush on Nathan – the ruggedly handsome older gamer in her club. Oh, and also her best friends dad. Awkward. I love a good dose of conflict and awkwardness in a story. Plus, I’m a sucker for the age difference trope. Love is love and age shouldn’t matter in my opinion, so to see this explored in this story was a definite point in the pro column for me!
NATHAN – I loved Nathan. He was charming, considerate and strong-willed. As a father and hardcore gamer, he had nailed down the responsibility aspect of his life while still being hopeful for finding love. How can you resist a man willing to risk it all for true love? I’m a sap, so Nathan’s strength in standing up to his disapproving daughter gained my affection and respect. He stood up for his feelings for Holly and this was a refreshing surprise. In many novels (even though I still love them) the relationship crumbles under familial disapproval so I adored the fact that he was willing to risk it all. I couldn’t help but find myself supportive of the way they fought for love.
THE GAMERS – Laura Heffernan has done something that all authors hope to do. She’s created a story that has not only coveted my attention but has also invested my interest in the supporting characters. I can’t wait to read more about them and see what direction the series takes. While I found myself often annoyed by Glen, I became intrigued in the prospect of a relationship between Shannon and Tyler. I loved the unrequited attraction trope that was budding between those two. I’m eager to see where their story takes them in the third instalment Make Your Move. Hopefully I love it as much as I adored this one!
This book had the perfect amount of conflict and steamy romance. The prospect of dating your friend’s Dad could be seen as too taboo for some readers, but this author managed to write a heartfelt story of two people separated by time but no less in love for it. It was respectful to the nature of this relationship and shared character perspective that showcased the internal conflict of love and guilt that is often associated with these relationships. I loved it and cannot wait for more!
life-is-too-short
September 26, 2019Remind me to stay off netgalley. The blurb was so cute but the style is incredibly tedious. Can't finish it.
January 1, 2020
3.5 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
Another story about the female gamers we met in "She's Got Game." Holly is the best friend that was super sassy and fun but had a horrible boyfriend. Now that she has gotten rid of that piece of crap, Holly is debating on how to handle her crush. Nathan is Gwen's very young dad and the crush that Holly has been harboring. This book is even more substantial with the board game lingo and plays that it was overwhelming. In some ways, it took away from what should have been a fun and sweet age-gap story between Holly and Nathan. I also didn't like the possibility of a love triangle. I was entertained as the story progressed, but I did want a few things changed.
Video review available in Week 52 Dec 22 – 28 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk
Another story about the female gamers we met in "She's Got Game." Holly is the best friend that was super sassy and fun but had a horrible boyfriend. Now that she has gotten rid of that piece of crap, Holly is debating on how to handle her crush. Nathan is Gwen's very young dad and the crush that Holly has been harboring. This book is even more substantial with the board game lingo and plays that it was overwhelming. In some ways, it took away from what should have been a fun and sweet age-gap story between Holly and Nathan. I also didn't like the possibility of a love triangle. I was entertained as the story progressed, but I did want a few things changed.
Video review available in Week 52 Dec 22 – 28 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk
October 13, 2019
Thank you netgalley and Laura for giving me ARC! Against the rules going to be published on 15 October 2019
Did you ever have a crush on your best friend dad? Then date him? Married him? Goshhh I can't describe this coz it was asdfghjkl
Did you ever have a crush on your best friend dad? Then date him? Married him? Goshhh I can't describe this coz it was asdfghjkl
October 19, 2019
Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours, Kensington and NetGalley for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Against the Rules
By: Laura Heffernan
*REVIEW*
Against the Rules is a contemporary fiction romance centered around gaming and is part of a series. I recommend reading the series in order for background information. Although not a gamer myself, I can still appreciate the story. Holly is a gamer who is recovering from a bad breakup that left her emotionally and financially ruined. She has given up on love, and who could blame her at this point? Life has other plans, however, and Holly finds herself attracted to a regular customer in the store where she works. Worse than that, though, is Holly's attraction to Nathan. Why? Holly's best friend is Gwen, and Nathan is Gwen's dad. Yikes! It's an odd love triangle but fun to read. Holly is an interesting character. She's smart but does stupid things. She's a bit naive/oblivious to some obvious things. I wanted to like her more than I actually did because her vibe is positive and warm hearted. Nathan is the hot older, but not too old, guy. He's easy to like because his characterization is spot on, and he's compelling. The secondary characters, i.e. Gwen, etc., are an excellent group whom I would like to hang with sometime. Friendship is on the line. How will Gwen react if Holly dates Nathan? It's a pickle for sure! Overall, I found this story delightful, unique and engaging. I learned some things about gaming. Against the Rules is especially intriguing and appealing if you are actually a gamer!
Against the Rules
By: Laura Heffernan
*REVIEW*
Against the Rules is a contemporary fiction romance centered around gaming and is part of a series. I recommend reading the series in order for background information. Although not a gamer myself, I can still appreciate the story. Holly is a gamer who is recovering from a bad breakup that left her emotionally and financially ruined. She has given up on love, and who could blame her at this point? Life has other plans, however, and Holly finds herself attracted to a regular customer in the store where she works. Worse than that, though, is Holly's attraction to Nathan. Why? Holly's best friend is Gwen, and Nathan is Gwen's dad. Yikes! It's an odd love triangle but fun to read. Holly is an interesting character. She's smart but does stupid things. She's a bit naive/oblivious to some obvious things. I wanted to like her more than I actually did because her vibe is positive and warm hearted. Nathan is the hot older, but not too old, guy. He's easy to like because his characterization is spot on, and he's compelling. The secondary characters, i.e. Gwen, etc., are an excellent group whom I would like to hang with sometime. Friendship is on the line. How will Gwen react if Holly dates Nathan? It's a pickle for sure! Overall, I found this story delightful, unique and engaging. I learned some things about gaming. Against the Rules is especially intriguing and appealing if you are actually a gamer!
November 2, 2019
AGAINST THE RULES is the second book of the Gamer Girls series by Laura Heffernan. Heffernan writes such a fun story with all kinds of complications about a young woman getting ready to come back to the dating world after a cheating ex and a broken heart. I thoroughly enjoyed this and worked beautifully as a stand alone and not having read the first book in the series, but of course after reading this I am now a fan.
Holly McDonald falls for the last person she should be falling in love with and that is Nathan Williams. But Nathan is Holly’s best friend Gwen’s father! This relationship was doomed from the start or is it? Can they keep their feeling from each other?
I adored this wonderful story about heartbreak and loss, and finding the strength to open up to trust and love again. I love a great contemporary romance and this one did not disappoint.
Holly McDonald falls for the last person she should be falling in love with and that is Nathan Williams. But Nathan is Holly’s best friend Gwen’s father! This relationship was doomed from the start or is it? Can they keep their feeling from each other?
I adored this wonderful story about heartbreak and loss, and finding the strength to open up to trust and love again. I love a great contemporary romance and this one did not disappoint.
August 10, 2019
Loved this book!! I loved the first story and this one picked up seamlessly. So well written and you can totally see the story in your head as you read.
August 12, 2019
Gamers eat your hearts out with this marvelous gaming romance that's sure to please even the toughest critic. Fun, witty and funny. Let the games begin with the newest thrill on the market. 5/5 stars
October 13, 2019
2.5 stars, rounding down
I finished this book 2 days ago and couldn’t even be bothered write a review. But honestly, I should’ve learned my lesson from the last book. I was hoping I’d like it more since the worst part of the last book was the childish behavior of the main character, and to be fair, I did like this one more. But whereas the last one made me kind of furious, this one was just... boring. Which is a shame because I like the main character Holly and I LOVE Nathan.
I don’t think you HAVE to read book 1 (which, again, I kind of hated) but this book doesn’t entirely go into the details of why Holly is under probation and her ex is potentially going to jail for a pyramid scheme that Holly was unaware of. And that set in motion Holly losing not only her fiancé whom she’d been with since she was 15 but also her life savings, her home, and her job. Now she lives with Nathan in his spare bedroom where he charges her cheap rent for Boston while she gets back on her feet. She also helped when he was recovering from a broken leg. By the time this books starts, she’s been living there for a year+ and they are very close friends.
The “joke” from the previous book is that Holly called Nathan Daddy McHotCakes to freak out Gwen, her best friend, since Nathan is so young (I think he’s 42 in this?), although Holly really does have a crush on him. But it didn’t feel like taboo dating best friend’s dad story because, 1) Holly is almost 30 so there’s no weird falling for virginal teenager thing you often find (really, REALLY not my thing); 2) Nathan is only 15 years older than her (same age gap as one of my sisters & her husband); 3) she and Gwen met as adults; and 4) Nathan and Holly are friends in their own right. Nathan plays legacy games with them (tbh I would’ve liked to have seen more of his life apart from their friend group but it’s told from Holly’s POV), and as mentioned, Holly also lives with him.
I guess I was just expecting this to be more... interesting. I love board games and I appreciate that this series is about women who love games. Having said that, there is WAY too much detail about the actual game in this. Pages and pages and pages describing exactly what they’re doing while playing to the point that I gave up trying to figure out what was going on because my eyes glazed over. If this had been once or twice, fine, especially describing the setup and first time playing, but it was every time they got together. I felt like more time was spent on this game than the actual romance itself.
Also, it was kind of anticlimactic because they hook up 1/3 of the way into the book so the rest of it is Holly trying to decide whether to break it off with another guy she’s casually dating and when they’ll tell Gwen.
Speaking of, GWEN IS STILL AN ASSHOLE. As I said in my review for her book, I hate being so hard on a female character but my GODDDDDDD I cannot stand her. She is AWFUL to Holly when she finds out. And like, I get it? It’s weird. But the thing is, I have no sympathy for her because of what a terrible person she is. She also acts completely immature in keeping with her previous behavior so hey, at least she’s consistent.
Another thing I hated was the inevitable fight/breakup at the end which was handled so poorly because apparently Holly learned from Gwen that it’s impossible to sit down and have an adult conversation instead of LITERALLY running away from a conflict. It was obnoxious in the first book and even more so in this one. If this is how this author writes conflicts, I don’t think her books are for me.
(Note: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
I finished this book 2 days ago and couldn’t even be bothered write a review. But honestly, I should’ve learned my lesson from the last book. I was hoping I’d like it more since the worst part of the last book was the childish behavior of the main character, and to be fair, I did like this one more. But whereas the last one made me kind of furious, this one was just... boring. Which is a shame because I like the main character Holly and I LOVE Nathan.
I don’t think you HAVE to read book 1 (which, again, I kind of hated) but this book doesn’t entirely go into the details of why Holly is under probation and her ex is potentially going to jail for a pyramid scheme that Holly was unaware of. And that set in motion Holly losing not only her fiancé whom she’d been with since she was 15 but also her life savings, her home, and her job. Now she lives with Nathan in his spare bedroom where he charges her cheap rent for Boston while she gets back on her feet. She also helped when he was recovering from a broken leg. By the time this books starts, she’s been living there for a year+ and they are very close friends.
The “joke” from the previous book is that Holly called Nathan Daddy McHotCakes to freak out Gwen, her best friend, since Nathan is so young (I think he’s 42 in this?), although Holly really does have a crush on him. But it didn’t feel like taboo dating best friend’s dad story because, 1) Holly is almost 30 so there’s no weird falling for virginal teenager thing you often find (really, REALLY not my thing); 2) Nathan is only 15 years older than her (same age gap as one of my sisters & her husband); 3) she and Gwen met as adults; and 4) Nathan and Holly are friends in their own right. Nathan plays legacy games with them (tbh I would’ve liked to have seen more of his life apart from their friend group but it’s told from Holly’s POV), and as mentioned, Holly also lives with him.
I guess I was just expecting this to be more... interesting. I love board games and I appreciate that this series is about women who love games. Having said that, there is WAY too much detail about the actual game in this. Pages and pages and pages describing exactly what they’re doing while playing to the point that I gave up trying to figure out what was going on because my eyes glazed over. If this had been once or twice, fine, especially describing the setup and first time playing, but it was every time they got together. I felt like more time was spent on this game than the actual romance itself.
Also, it was kind of anticlimactic because they hook up 1/3 of the way into the book so the rest of it is Holly trying to decide whether to break it off with another guy she’s casually dating and when they’ll tell Gwen.
Speaking of, GWEN IS STILL AN ASSHOLE. As I said in my review for her book, I hate being so hard on a female character but my GODDDDDDD I cannot stand her. She is AWFUL to Holly when she finds out. And like, I get it? It’s weird. But the thing is, I have no sympathy for her because of what a terrible person she is. She also acts completely immature in keeping with her previous behavior so hey, at least she’s consistent.
Another thing I hated was the inevitable fight/breakup at the end which was handled so poorly because apparently Holly learned from Gwen that it’s impossible to sit down and have an adult conversation instead of LITERALLY running away from a conflict. It was obnoxious in the first book and even more so in this one. If this is how this author writes conflicts, I don’t think her books are for me.
(Note: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
September 3, 2019
2 disappointed stars. I wanted to like this so much more than I did. Despite the adorable cover, exciting hook (girls who game), and hint of a love triangle, I found Holly and her friends tedious and irritating.
The whole book was spent in Holly's head and her self-pitying, insecure mind was not a fun place to be. After Holly's ex-fiance was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, Holly is working at a gaming store while on probation pending trial and renting a room from her best friend Gwen's good-looking 43-year-old dad Nathan. Holly has long crushed on Nathan but has convinced herself that he's not interested, Gwen would never approve, and Nathan deserves better. So Holly decides to turn into "Flirt Holly" and try all the dating apps. Enter Marc, a mild mannered store customer, who finally asks Holly out just as she heads to Mexico for Gwen's wedding.
Just like the book blurb, the description above is far more exciting than the actual story. Holly overthinks everything, and then dithers, and then makes excuses for why she doesn't talk to Gwen about her feelings for her dad, why she can't be in a relationship with Nathan, why she's still dating Marc even after Nathan shows interest, why she reaches out to her ex-fiance, why she leaves Nathan's apartment. So much so, I just found myself constantly asking, "Why, Holly, why?" every time she did something immature, which was a lot.
Also, to my surprise, the gaming aspect of the book turned out to be a confusing bore. I love romances with gamers, but the game in this one baffled me. Holly's friend Shannon developed a game and asked their friends to test it. Nathan is the "Jock" and Holly is the "Flirt" in the game, which should have been some kind of metaphor, but I was too bored to pay attention to the game, much less draw parallels.
Turns out I'm not the only one annoyed by immature, passive Holly. Gwen lost her cool big time with Holly. Then Holly and Nathan have a blowout. At a time when Holly needed support the most, she found herself completely alone and I couldn't understand why she would keep on gaming with the crew.
I have the first book, Gwen's book, in my TBR. But after her belligerent, childish behavior, I now doubt if I will ever get myself to read about her and poor Cody. I'm not even interested enough to find out what happened to Shannon and her game (and Tyler).
This was the first time reading this author. The writing was clear and light; loved the line, "Although if I could find a way for Nathan and me to save the world from zombies or Trump, I would absolutely go for it". But unfortunately, I never fell in love with Holly or Nathan or understood why they fell in love with each other. And I really hated Gwen.
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed this eARC generously provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
The whole book was spent in Holly's head and her self-pitying, insecure mind was not a fun place to be. After Holly's ex-fiance was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, Holly is working at a gaming store while on probation pending trial and renting a room from her best friend Gwen's good-looking 43-year-old dad Nathan. Holly has long crushed on Nathan but has convinced herself that he's not interested, Gwen would never approve, and Nathan deserves better. So Holly decides to turn into "Flirt Holly" and try all the dating apps. Enter Marc, a mild mannered store customer, who finally asks Holly out just as she heads to Mexico for Gwen's wedding.
Just like the book blurb, the description above is far more exciting than the actual story. Holly overthinks everything, and then dithers, and then makes excuses for why she doesn't talk to Gwen about her feelings for her dad, why she can't be in a relationship with Nathan, why she's still dating Marc even after Nathan shows interest, why she reaches out to her ex-fiance, why she leaves Nathan's apartment. So much so, I just found myself constantly asking, "Why, Holly, why?" every time she did something immature, which was a lot.
Also, to my surprise, the gaming aspect of the book turned out to be a confusing bore. I love romances with gamers, but the game in this one baffled me. Holly's friend Shannon developed a game and asked their friends to test it. Nathan is the "Jock" and Holly is the "Flirt" in the game, which should have been some kind of metaphor, but I was too bored to pay attention to the game, much less draw parallels.
Turns out I'm not the only one annoyed by immature, passive Holly. Gwen lost her cool big time with Holly. Then Holly and Nathan have a blowout. At a time when Holly needed support the most, she found herself completely alone and I couldn't understand why she would keep on gaming with the crew.
I have the first book, Gwen's book, in my TBR. But after her belligerent, childish behavior, I now doubt if I will ever get myself to read about her and poor Cody. I'm not even interested enough to find out what happened to Shannon and her game (and Tyler).
This was the first time reading this author. The writing was clear and light; loved the line, "Although if I could find a way for Nathan and me to save the world from zombies or Trump, I would absolutely go for it". But unfortunately, I never fell in love with Holly or Nathan or understood why they fell in love with each other. And I really hated Gwen.
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed this eARC generously provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
November 9, 2019
This story is really sweet, and to be honest, even though it's a romance there's a LOT of emphasis on the best friend relationship. Holly and Gwen have a lot of work to do on their friendship, and it's really because they just want the best for each other, but kind of go about it the wrong way. Which is great, because it makes it so much more realistic!
Can I also just put here that I wish the tabletop game they played throughout this book was REAL?! Because I very much do!!
The romance was also cute, and not too explicit (which is kind of nice for a romance these days).
The downside is... I guess this story was kind of predictable. And by that I mean, I knew who Holly would end up with by the end of book 1, so book 2 really had no surprises in it at all. In fact, the complication towards the end was also predictable... because what else were they going to do with the plot?!
Overall, I enjoyed it – it's a sweet romance, and books about gaming girls deserve their own special love-fest, just like books about witches, necromancers and vampires do. (I've been reading paranormal lately, ok?!)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
Can I also just put here that I wish the tabletop game they played throughout this book was REAL?! Because I very much do!!
The romance was also cute, and not too explicit (which is kind of nice for a romance these days).
The downside is... I guess this story was kind of predictable. And by that I mean, I knew who Holly would end up with by the end of book 1, so book 2 really had no surprises in it at all. In fact, the complication towards the end was also predictable... because what else were they going to do with the plot?!
Overall, I enjoyed it – it's a sweet romance, and books about gaming girls deserve their own special love-fest, just like books about witches, necromancers and vampires do. (I've been reading paranormal lately, ok?!)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2019
Loved Holly and Nathan from Book 1 and so happy to read their story! It's totally believable to fall for a friend's dad if he was anything like Nathan. And the game sounds so cool! Quick, fun read.
August 11, 2019
I love Holly, she’s so easily lift out of the book and fit in my friendship group. However, I’d have to bring Gwen and Shannon with her. I loved these characters in book one and I’ve grown more invested in them within this book. I cannot wait to read the next instalment.
This book has a fantastic plot; not only do we find out about Gwen and Cody’s relationship but we can also add friendship drama and hilariously awful men.
Laura has a way of writing that engages you from the beginning and makes you want to read on. I am proud to admit that I loved this book so much I’ve finished it in just a few hours.
This book has made me laugh out loud but has also made me feel a little emotional on occasions. The romance throughout the plot is perfect and the story has a fun feel to it.
I think as a girl, we are all aware of girl code so the drama that emerges throughout is completely understandable and also realistic. Laura has created a plot which could easily be turned into a TV Show or movie.
This is another absolutely wonderful story by Laura. I love the covers of this series, they really are cute and fun. I loved book one, I think I love this book even more. I have to give this story five stars, although I wish I could give it more.
This book has a fantastic plot; not only do we find out about Gwen and Cody’s relationship but we can also add friendship drama and hilariously awful men.
Laura has a way of writing that engages you from the beginning and makes you want to read on. I am proud to admit that I loved this book so much I’ve finished it in just a few hours.
This book has made me laugh out loud but has also made me feel a little emotional on occasions. The romance throughout the plot is perfect and the story has a fun feel to it.
I think as a girl, we are all aware of girl code so the drama that emerges throughout is completely understandable and also realistic. Laura has created a plot which could easily be turned into a TV Show or movie.
This is another absolutely wonderful story by Laura. I love the covers of this series, they really are cute and fun. I loved book one, I think I love this book even more. I have to give this story five stars, although I wish I could give it more.
October 14, 2019
Thanks so much to the author, Kate Rock Book Tours, NetGalley, and Kensington Books for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and participation in this blog tour. All opinions are entirely my own.
Once again I am writing a review on a second book in a series without having read the first book. Come on, Jennifer, get it together. Right? Right. But, like with my last tour book, the description comes along and it just sounds too fun to pass up, even if I did miss the first part of the story! And once again, I was not disappointed.
Holly is an incredibly fun character, and I really enjoyed getting to spend this time with her. She is nerdy and game-minded, yes, but she is also really smart, and strong-willed, feisty, and she has a fierce love for the people around her. When we first meet her she is in the last few months of reclaiming her life from issues caused by and related to her ex, who is in trouble with the law due to his part in their new business was revealed to be less than upstanding. She’s been having a hard time while trying to get back on her feet, working at her local game shop and having weekly game nights with her friends, and is inspired to start putting herself out there more in the world of dating.
While none of the first few dates go very far, some not even making it through the salad course, I had a really good time getting to read about the dates, especially the really cringe-worthy ones whom she had met online. It felt a little bit like gossiping and sharing bad dating stories with your girlfriends, and let me just say that I was all about it. And while we are on the topic, I loved her whole group of friends at the game nights. They are such a tight knit group, and all getting to share in a mutual love of the game and the competition. Also the game that they are playing throughout the whole story sounds really cool. I am not always a huge gamer myself (I had older brothers, so I can play sometimes, but I grew up mostly watching the games instead), but I wanted to try and join in the game too. Take out? Check. Good friends? Check. Awesome sounding board game? Check. All I’m saying is that I’m upset I don’t get to have game nights anymore.
And yes, we couldn’t talk about this book without talking about the love story. Throughout the story Holly has two main love interests that she focuses on – Marc, who stops by the game shop during her shifts, and sweetly plans dream dates to try and woo our lead; and Nathan, who she has had a crush on for years and gives her enough butterflies to fill her stomach twice over every time they brush hands. He seems perfect (hey, they even already live together) except that he is the father of one of her best friends. Yikes. Her whole internal debate between the two men revolves around how her friend, Gwen, would react if she chose Nathan, worrying she’s breaking some girl-code and that her friend may never forgive her. While I’ve never been in this particular situation I think we’ve all had moments where we worried we might hurt or even lose a friend depending on a choice that we made, and so I found that part of the story really easy to follow and found that I could fairly easily relate to the character. And plus, there’s something about a forbidden romance that just makes it that much more fun to read, right?
Overall this book was really enjoyable, and I wanted to jump right into the middle of this friend group. None of the characters were perfect, which I always think makes for a better and more enjoyable reading experience. And while, yes, the central gaming theme may not be for everybody, I found it different and new and thoroughly entertaining. I will definitely be checking out the next book in the series, Make Your Move, which publishes in December and follows another member of this same group.
This book is publishing tomorrow, October 15, 2019!
Once again I am writing a review on a second book in a series without having read the first book. Come on, Jennifer, get it together. Right? Right. But, like with my last tour book, the description comes along and it just sounds too fun to pass up, even if I did miss the first part of the story! And once again, I was not disappointed.
Holly is an incredibly fun character, and I really enjoyed getting to spend this time with her. She is nerdy and game-minded, yes, but she is also really smart, and strong-willed, feisty, and she has a fierce love for the people around her. When we first meet her she is in the last few months of reclaiming her life from issues caused by and related to her ex, who is in trouble with the law due to his part in their new business was revealed to be less than upstanding. She’s been having a hard time while trying to get back on her feet, working at her local game shop and having weekly game nights with her friends, and is inspired to start putting herself out there more in the world of dating.
While none of the first few dates go very far, some not even making it through the salad course, I had a really good time getting to read about the dates, especially the really cringe-worthy ones whom she had met online. It felt a little bit like gossiping and sharing bad dating stories with your girlfriends, and let me just say that I was all about it. And while we are on the topic, I loved her whole group of friends at the game nights. They are such a tight knit group, and all getting to share in a mutual love of the game and the competition. Also the game that they are playing throughout the whole story sounds really cool. I am not always a huge gamer myself (I had older brothers, so I can play sometimes, but I grew up mostly watching the games instead), but I wanted to try and join in the game too. Take out? Check. Good friends? Check. Awesome sounding board game? Check. All I’m saying is that I’m upset I don’t get to have game nights anymore.
And yes, we couldn’t talk about this book without talking about the love story. Throughout the story Holly has two main love interests that she focuses on – Marc, who stops by the game shop during her shifts, and sweetly plans dream dates to try and woo our lead; and Nathan, who she has had a crush on for years and gives her enough butterflies to fill her stomach twice over every time they brush hands. He seems perfect (hey, they even already live together) except that he is the father of one of her best friends. Yikes. Her whole internal debate between the two men revolves around how her friend, Gwen, would react if she chose Nathan, worrying she’s breaking some girl-code and that her friend may never forgive her. While I’ve never been in this particular situation I think we’ve all had moments where we worried we might hurt or even lose a friend depending on a choice that we made, and so I found that part of the story really easy to follow and found that I could fairly easily relate to the character. And plus, there’s something about a forbidden romance that just makes it that much more fun to read, right?
Overall this book was really enjoyable, and I wanted to jump right into the middle of this friend group. None of the characters were perfect, which I always think makes for a better and more enjoyable reading experience. And while, yes, the central gaming theme may not be for everybody, I found it different and new and thoroughly entertaining. I will definitely be checking out the next book in the series, Make Your Move, which publishes in December and follows another member of this same group.
This book is publishing tomorrow, October 15, 2019!
August 19, 2019
I really really really wanted to love this book. I love the premise - a May-"December" type romance involving geeky gamers? sign me up!! But, this just didn't flow - and there was a heck of a lot going on. I did not read the first book in the series, but I truly felt like I was dropped into the middle of a situation I didn't understand. Obviously a lot had happened between the heroine and her ex - and his Bernie Madoff type schemes. The author explains it all - but it seemed such an important part of the heroine's background, that it was hard to understand why she acted the way she did without having experienced that trauma along side her. I think the book could have also done with some of Nathan's perspective too.
I can also say, that having read this book first I would not be at ALL interested in the first one (about Nathan's daughter Gwen). Gwen came across as a total spoiled brat. She ultimately apologizes and helps them come together, but it just was a total turn off.
I can also say that hearing about the game was very confusing and complicated. Maybe because I've never played a game like it - but maybe it was also just confusing. Overall - there was just too much going on. So much that I couldn't get in to it because we had to keep skipping around the focus. This book includes
Anyway - I wanted to love this - but I didn't. I also thought the fade to black sex scenes were lame.
I can also say, that having read this book first I would not be at ALL interested in the first one (about Nathan's daughter Gwen). Gwen came across as a total spoiled brat. She ultimately apologizes and helps them come together, but it just was a total turn off.
I can also say that hearing about the game was very confusing and complicated. Maybe because I've never played a game like it - but maybe it was also just confusing. Overall - there was just too much going on. So much that I couldn't get in to it because we had to keep skipping around the focus. This book includes
Anyway - I wanted to love this - but I didn't. I also thought the fade to black sex scenes were lame.
October 8, 2019
This is book #2 in the Gamer Girls series and Holly McDonald's story. In book #1, Holly found out her fiance, Lucas, was cheating on her. He was also running a pyramid scheme and now he has been arrested. Holly agreed to fully cooperating with the Feds in exchange for immunity since she had no idea any of this was going on. With having her assets frozen and not being allowed to work in her field of IT for 18 months while she is on probation, Holly is working at Game On!, the local gaming store and living with Gwen's dad, Nathan. It's fun working at Game On, but Holly is having a harder time living with Nathan because she has always had a huge crush on him. So what if he is 15 years older than her....she is still very attracted to him....problem is is that he is her best friend's dad!
Nathan Williams has been single for a long time. Being a single dad, Nathan always put his daughter, Gwen first. Now that Gwen is grown she keeps pressuring her dad to date. Too bad Nathan is attracted to Gwen's friend, Holly, but he could never act on that because it's so taboo and what would his daughter think.
While everyone is in Mexico for Gwen's wedding, a drunken Holly and a drunken Nathan hookup. They both realize that they are attracted to the other and figure "What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico!". Too bad that is never the case!
When Nathan and Holly spend more time together test playing their friend Shannon's legacy game, parts of the game spill over into real life. It will take a huge leap of faith for these two to decide if they want to go after their happy ending and risk losing Gwen or just decide to keep things platonic. A fun twist to the story throws everyone into a tailspin but in the end, Holly and Nathan get their perfect happy ending.
I just loved this story. It was such fun and such a forbidden type of romance but the author handled it wonderfully. I also loved the way the playing of the game was woven into their lives. It sounded like such a fun game to play, too! I really enjoyed both of the characters. It was easy to see how Nathan and Holly were drawn to each other....they had so many things in common. Overall I am really loving this series and can't wait to read Shannon's story!
Nathan Williams has been single for a long time. Being a single dad, Nathan always put his daughter, Gwen first. Now that Gwen is grown she keeps pressuring her dad to date. Too bad Nathan is attracted to Gwen's friend, Holly, but he could never act on that because it's so taboo and what would his daughter think.
While everyone is in Mexico for Gwen's wedding, a drunken Holly and a drunken Nathan hookup. They both realize that they are attracted to the other and figure "What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico!". Too bad that is never the case!
When Nathan and Holly spend more time together test playing their friend Shannon's legacy game, parts of the game spill over into real life. It will take a huge leap of faith for these two to decide if they want to go after their happy ending and risk losing Gwen or just decide to keep things platonic. A fun twist to the story throws everyone into a tailspin but in the end, Holly and Nathan get their perfect happy ending.
I just loved this story. It was such fun and such a forbidden type of romance but the author handled it wonderfully. I also loved the way the playing of the game was woven into their lives. It sounded like such a fun game to play, too! I really enjoyed both of the characters. It was easy to see how Nathan and Holly were drawn to each other....they had so many things in common. Overall I am really loving this series and can't wait to read Shannon's story!
August 18, 2019
This is the second book in The Gamer Girls series.
In the last book (it’s not necessary to read, but it does give you a little background to take you into this book.) Holly finds out her fiancé had been cheating on her, and he’s stolen money from her, so she dumps him....
But that has given her confidence a huge knock, so she retreats Into the shop she works in (a gaming shop)
After her friends (Gwen and Shannon) convince her to go out and have a little fun, she plucks up the courage to go out, but with whom?
Nathan is her best friend’s dad, so she shouldn’t be looking at him, but there is something about Nathan that appeals to Holly, and once they start playing this new game, she sees him a whole new light. (And to be honest, she’s always had a little crush on him)
Marc is Holly’s indecisive game customer (but is that to get Holly’s attention?) he comes in and they discuss the games. When he finally plucks up the courage to askHer out, it’s via text (but it’s the modern world and dares are now arranged that way, I suppose?)
And after a couple of disastrous online chats, Holly needs to get out into the real world and date (can’t do it all online)
So ...... who will Holly choose? And what about the cheating thieving ex? You know somewhere along the line he’s going to make an appearance. Will she be sweet talked into letting him back into her life?
I’ll have to be honest, I liked this one, but not as much as the first book (She’s Got Game) the characters bounced off of one another, where in this book, I don’t get that same feeling.
I did like the game thought at the beginning of the chapter, but not sure I needed to hear so much about the Game they were playing.
🦋
In the last book (it’s not necessary to read, but it does give you a little background to take you into this book.) Holly finds out her fiancé had been cheating on her, and he’s stolen money from her, so she dumps him....
But that has given her confidence a huge knock, so she retreats Into the shop she works in (a gaming shop)
After her friends (Gwen and Shannon) convince her to go out and have a little fun, she plucks up the courage to go out, but with whom?
Nathan is her best friend’s dad, so she shouldn’t be looking at him, but there is something about Nathan that appeals to Holly, and once they start playing this new game, she sees him a whole new light. (And to be honest, she’s always had a little crush on him)
Marc is Holly’s indecisive game customer (but is that to get Holly’s attention?) he comes in and they discuss the games. When he finally plucks up the courage to askHer out, it’s via text (but it’s the modern world and dares are now arranged that way, I suppose?)
And after a couple of disastrous online chats, Holly needs to get out into the real world and date (can’t do it all online)
So ...... who will Holly choose? And what about the cheating thieving ex? You know somewhere along the line he’s going to make an appearance. Will she be sweet talked into letting him back into her life?
I’ll have to be honest, I liked this one, but not as much as the first book (She’s Got Game) the characters bounced off of one another, where in this book, I don’t get that same feeling.
I did like the game thought at the beginning of the chapter, but not sure I needed to hear so much about the Game they were playing.
🦋
September 19, 2019
Holly has hit rock bottom in her life. Her ex-fiance has stolen all of their client's money, as well has her own personal savings, and is possibly heading to jail. Holly thankfully had no knowledge of the scam he was running allowing her to gain immunity by testifying against Lucas. Holly is lucky enough to secure a job at a local game store (no, not video games...actual games) while she waits out her probation which bans her from working as a programmer. One of the perks of this new job is getting to play-test new games that are being created and Holly gets to enjoy this with her closest friends. Gwen and Holly have been best friends for the last 5 years, saving her after things blew up with Lucas by moving her into a spare room at her childhood home. Nathan, Gwen's dad is 43 years young and single after Gwen's mother left them when she was young but what Gwen doesn't realize is that this act of kindness is about to cause the flood gates to open on a secret Nathan & Holly have been trying hard to keep hidden. In my opinion, "Against the Rules" will appeal to a specific kind of reader but will miss the broader audience. The "gamer" theme of the book didn't really catch my interest but I can see how it would for those that are interested in this hobby. Laura Heffernan has another book in the "Gamer Girl" series but "Against the Rules" felt like it was a stand-alone book without having read the first. I really wanted to like this book but struggled at times with the surface-level relationships and the constant overthinking inner monologue of Holly. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2020
*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.*
So, this book has already been published. I believe it hit the shelves some time in October, but I'm too lazy to go back and look to be sure. I am super behind on my reviews, as per usual, but I'm workin' on it!
Also want to point out, because the description from NetGalley didn't, this is the second book in a series. It wasn't super confusing not having read the first one, but there were references made to the couple that the first book was about that of course I didn't understand. Didn't take away from the over all quality of the book.
Alright, so here we go. Our main character, Holly, has sworn off men after her ex not only cheated on her, he embezzled all of their money and tried to implicate her in his crimes. Can't really say I blame her at that point, but her best friend, Gwen, is encouraging her to get back into the dating scene. What Gwen doesn't know though, is that Holly has a crush on someone already-- Gwen's dad.
The premise was a bit odd to me, mainly because I didn't have friends with hot dads, so that wasn't ever a thought in my head, but I liked the inclusion of board game play and I actually really enjoyed the relationship between Holly and Nathan. There was a bit of a love triangle, but it was super obvious where the whole thing was going.
All in all, this was a CUTE, easy read. Little bit of sex, not enough to make my grandma blush, but enough to maybe not let your preteen read the book. We don't have this series in our library but I would be interested in reading both the first and the third books in this series.
So, this book has already been published. I believe it hit the shelves some time in October, but I'm too lazy to go back and look to be sure. I am super behind on my reviews, as per usual, but I'm workin' on it!
Also want to point out, because the description from NetGalley didn't, this is the second book in a series. It wasn't super confusing not having read the first one, but there were references made to the couple that the first book was about that of course I didn't understand. Didn't take away from the over all quality of the book.
Alright, so here we go. Our main character, Holly, has sworn off men after her ex not only cheated on her, he embezzled all of their money and tried to implicate her in his crimes. Can't really say I blame her at that point, but her best friend, Gwen, is encouraging her to get back into the dating scene. What Gwen doesn't know though, is that Holly has a crush on someone already-- Gwen's dad.
The premise was a bit odd to me, mainly because I didn't have friends with hot dads, so that wasn't ever a thought in my head, but I liked the inclusion of board game play and I actually really enjoyed the relationship between Holly and Nathan. There was a bit of a love triangle, but it was super obvious where the whole thing was going.
All in all, this was a CUTE, easy read. Little bit of sex, not enough to make my grandma blush, but enough to maybe not let your preteen read the book. We don't have this series in our library but I would be interested in reading both the first and the third books in this series.
September 25, 2019
A light-hearted 'forbidden' romance. Having a crush on your best friends dad isn't the best idea, but you can't control who you are attracted to or what the heart wants. The Hero/Heroine's characters aren't overly developed, but you know enough about them to form a solid opinion. He is a good guy, single dad who hasn't gone out in the dating world for years. The Heroine is a year(ish) into the single life after spending the past 15ish years with her high school sweetheart, only to be blindsided in more than one way. Their love of gaming brought them together even more than the fact that he was her best friends dad. There is a lot of game talk throughout the book. (The series is titled Gamer Girls afterall.) It gets into a lot of detail that doesn't really have to do with the romance, that may 'bore' some readers if that isn't your thing, but can be easily overlooked or skimmed if you so desire, without taking away from the main plot of the story. For the most part it's a clean read. There are a couple of scenes that have sexual content, but it is nothing to blush about. (Mostly letting the readers know what is going to happen without all the graphic details.) There is some angst, as the Heroine struggles with what her heart wants, and what is the right thing to do. It reads easily and the story moves quickly. It is written strictly from her POV.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
September 22, 2019
It took me weeks to start this book because life happened. (sigh) I was so busy past few days but its never too late, right?
I actually finished this book for only 4-5hrs (in 2 days) This was a page-turner. This book got my attention really good. I was hooked! There's something in it that would make you feel so excited all through out the book.
I actually didn't know that this is a book 2. I think they are still can be read as stand-alone? Not really sure but I didn't have any problem understanding the story.
I love the friendship. It's realistic, they're all cool, and somehow adorable.
I could feel Holly. Her fears. Her confusion. Everything. I loved that even if she was afraid of things, she could still manage to face them. And that's important. Like really important.
I love the ending as well. I will not spoil anything here. I just loved that this book managed to have almost everything. Love, friends, fears and overcoming them, forgiveness, mistakes because we're people and we are allowed to have them but we also need to learn after, and of course, the games! It was awesome and cool.
I actually finished this book for only 4-5hrs (in 2 days) This was a page-turner. This book got my attention really good. I was hooked! There's something in it that would make you feel so excited all through out the book.
I actually didn't know that this is a book 2. I think they are still can be read as stand-alone? Not really sure but I didn't have any problem understanding the story.
I love the friendship. It's realistic, they're all cool, and somehow adorable.
I could feel Holly. Her fears. Her confusion. Everything. I loved that even if she was afraid of things, she could still manage to face them. And that's important. Like really important.
I love the ending as well. I will not spoil anything here. I just loved that this book managed to have almost everything. Love, friends, fears and overcoming them, forgiveness, mistakes because we're people and we are allowed to have them but we also need to learn after, and of course, the games! It was awesome and cool.
January 12, 2023
Daddy McHotness and geeky girl **This book continues Holly's story from when her life was turned upside down. holly lost it all in the first book, her then fiancé not only stole from her, betrayed her and cheated on her but he dictated her life in every way. This book starts Holly off being lost, sad and fearful to put herself out there and get hurt again, she had lost sight of who she was. As Holly's trust, confidence and hope start to reappear and mend a new side of Holly emerges. Holly never thought or believed her dreams could come true, especially at her best friend's wedding. As things spiral out of control a stronger, more confident, more determined Holly comes alive. Nate never thought to find love, he has dedicated his whole life to raising his beautiful daughter, but one drunken night made his dream and desire come to life. Both Nathan and Holly captured my attention in book one and I absolutely loved their story. Their rollercoaster love story, their growth and how they finally both went after what they really wanted had me hooked. I cried, cheered, rooted for them and their love. Real love like their love does not come around often, soul mates belong together no matter their age. I love games and the game analogy, I would love to have played the haunted Place, it sounded like so much fun. Loved the story and can't wait to read Shannon's.
August 26, 2019
1.5 stars
This review is based on an ARC ebook received for free from NetGalley. I am not being paid to review this book and what I write here is my own opinion. My rating scale is below.
brief summary
When her first and only other relationship comes to a disastrous conclusion after fifteen years, prompting her to move in with her best friend, Holly finds herself struggling more and more to resist the crush she's always had on her friend's dad. A drunken night at said friend's destination wedding changes everything.
full review
I was initially very excited to start this book because I love reading about gamers having romantic lives. It even seemed to have been written by someone who had done their research, including the right vocabulary for gamers, the right kind of process for beta testing a game, and even an understandable description of how legacy games work (which is no mean feat). Ultimately, though, this was a very difficult book to connect with or grow fond of as a reader because for the majority of the book I was deeply uncomfortable with the romantic premise: the main character, Holly, is deeply in crush with Nathan, the father of her best friend Gwen, and when she learns at that friend's destination wedding that her feelings are reciprocated, the two of them get together and are hurt that Gwen is appalled.
I, too, was appalled, despite my attempts to be open-minded, because for the majority of the book I was under the impression that Holly and Gwen had been friends for a long time, and that Gwen's dad had the hots for a woman he had watched grow up from girlhood. As it turns out, this is not quite the case. As best I can make out, Nathan is 43, Holly is 28, and Gwen might be 36. Nathan got Gwen's mother pregnant when he was 15. Holly met Gwen when she (Holly) was 23. Since Holly and Gwen have only known each other for about five years, it seems Nathan has only known Holly as an adult woman. Learning this did actually go a long way to minimizing the squick factor, but it took me the entire book to piece together these relative ages and how long everyone had known everyone else, by which time I was pretty thoroughly disgusted with Nathan for basically being a predatory creeper and Holly for going after her best friend's dad even though she knew her friend would be against it and she had perfectly acceptable not-her-best-friend's-dad dating options available.
Throughout the book there were so many scenes between Holly and Nathan which were supposed to play as tender, but because of the nature of their relationship just came across as awful. Like when they were watching The Office together with his arm around Holly and his head resting on top of hers. Or when he greeted her by putting his arm around her and kissing her cheek thinking to scare off a creep by pretending they were together (without previously consulting Holly as to whether this rescue was necessary). Other instances where it is usually Nathan trying to convince Holly that they should give this a try read as really predatory and wrong. There's also a bit where he more or less rips off Never Been Kissed with the "'You have to say that because you're [Gwen's father/my teacher].' 'I shouldn't say that because I'm [Gwen's father/your teacher].'" I was really frosted to read that exchange being misappropriated to excuse Holly and Nathan's deplorable behavior as regards her friendship with Gwen.
On a related note, Gwen has never reacted well to Holly's jokes about being into Nathan, and Holly should have respected that, or at least been willing to accept the blame for her role in ending their friendship, rather than being hurt and surprised that Gwen didn't want anything to do with her when she found out Holly and her father were having sex behind her back by walking in on them having sex. Holly was not being a good friend, and she had other options besides banging Gwen's dad. Marc, with whom she feels no spark largely, I suspect, because she refuses to tear her brain away from Nathan for two seconds, seems like a really good fit for her, and definitely calls into question her repeated assertion that no one understands her like Nathan. She simply chooses not to give anyone who isn't Nathan a chance, and that really smacks of selfishness and an "I don't care who I hurt!" attitude, best exemplified when Holly said to Nathan, "I don't care that you're Gwen's dad if you don't." On the morning of Gwen's wedding. After they'd had a drunken shag the night before.
There was a lot of backstory that took place in the first book, apparently, about Holly's ex cheating on her and defrauding the public using a business they built together as a front, and this book went more into the fallout from that, with depositions for Holly to attend, but a lot of that came across as happening with a huffy sigh from the author, who wouldn't have to explain all this if people had just read the first book. That's not to say the book can't stand on its own, just that it clearly was not meant to do so. There's also an unexpected pregnancy and a misunderstanding, which was how I found out everyone's respective ages. That all takes place in the last 20% of the book and feels really thrown in there to add some length.
Overall, I spent too much of this book feeling deeply skeeved by the main characters' romance. It should have been made much clearer that they had only ever known each other as adults from the beginning.
rating scale
1 star - I was barely able to finish it. I didn't like it.
2 stars - It was okay. I didn't dislike it.
3 stars - It was interesting. I liked it.
4 stars - It was excellent. I really liked it.
5 stars - It was extraordinary. I really hope the author wrote more things
This review is based on an ARC ebook received for free from NetGalley. I am not being paid to review this book and what I write here is my own opinion. My rating scale is below.
brief summary
When her first and only other relationship comes to a disastrous conclusion after fifteen years, prompting her to move in with her best friend, Holly finds herself struggling more and more to resist the crush she's always had on her friend's dad. A drunken night at said friend's destination wedding changes everything.
full review
I was initially very excited to start this book because I love reading about gamers having romantic lives. It even seemed to have been written by someone who had done their research, including the right vocabulary for gamers, the right kind of process for beta testing a game, and even an understandable description of how legacy games work (which is no mean feat). Ultimately, though, this was a very difficult book to connect with or grow fond of as a reader because for the majority of the book I was deeply uncomfortable with the romantic premise: the main character, Holly, is deeply in crush with Nathan, the father of her best friend Gwen, and when she learns at that friend's destination wedding that her feelings are reciprocated, the two of them get together and are hurt that Gwen is appalled.
I, too, was appalled, despite my attempts to be open-minded, because for the majority of the book I was under the impression that Holly and Gwen had been friends for a long time, and that Gwen's dad had the hots for a woman he had watched grow up from girlhood. As it turns out, this is not quite the case. As best I can make out, Nathan is 43, Holly is 28, and Gwen might be 36. Nathan got Gwen's mother pregnant when he was 15. Holly met Gwen when she (Holly) was 23. Since Holly and Gwen have only known each other for about five years, it seems Nathan has only known Holly as an adult woman. Learning this did actually go a long way to minimizing the squick factor, but it took me the entire book to piece together these relative ages and how long everyone had known everyone else, by which time I was pretty thoroughly disgusted with Nathan for basically being a predatory creeper and Holly for going after her best friend's dad even though she knew her friend would be against it and she had perfectly acceptable not-her-best-friend's-dad dating options available.
Throughout the book there were so many scenes between Holly and Nathan which were supposed to play as tender, but because of the nature of their relationship just came across as awful. Like when they were watching The Office together with his arm around Holly and his head resting on top of hers. Or when he greeted her by putting his arm around her and kissing her cheek thinking to scare off a creep by pretending they were together (without previously consulting Holly as to whether this rescue was necessary). Other instances where it is usually Nathan trying to convince Holly that they should give this a try read as really predatory and wrong. There's also a bit where he more or less rips off Never Been Kissed with the "'You have to say that because you're [Gwen's father/my teacher].' 'I shouldn't say that because I'm [Gwen's father/your teacher].'" I was really frosted to read that exchange being misappropriated to excuse Holly and Nathan's deplorable behavior as regards her friendship with Gwen.
On a related note, Gwen has never reacted well to Holly's jokes about being into Nathan, and Holly should have respected that, or at least been willing to accept the blame for her role in ending their friendship, rather than being hurt and surprised that Gwen didn't want anything to do with her when she found out Holly and her father were having sex behind her back by walking in on them having sex. Holly was not being a good friend, and she had other options besides banging Gwen's dad. Marc, with whom she feels no spark largely, I suspect, because she refuses to tear her brain away from Nathan for two seconds, seems like a really good fit for her, and definitely calls into question her repeated assertion that no one understands her like Nathan. She simply chooses not to give anyone who isn't Nathan a chance, and that really smacks of selfishness and an "I don't care who I hurt!" attitude, best exemplified when Holly said to Nathan, "I don't care that you're Gwen's dad if you don't." On the morning of Gwen's wedding. After they'd had a drunken shag the night before.
There was a lot of backstory that took place in the first book, apparently, about Holly's ex cheating on her and defrauding the public using a business they built together as a front, and this book went more into the fallout from that, with depositions for Holly to attend, but a lot of that came across as happening with a huffy sigh from the author, who wouldn't have to explain all this if people had just read the first book. That's not to say the book can't stand on its own, just that it clearly was not meant to do so. There's also an unexpected pregnancy and a misunderstanding, which was how I found out everyone's respective ages. That all takes place in the last 20% of the book and feels really thrown in there to add some length.
Overall, I spent too much of this book feeling deeply skeeved by the main characters' romance. It should have been made much clearer that they had only ever known each other as adults from the beginning.
rating scale
1 star - I was barely able to finish it. I didn't like it.
2 stars - It was okay. I didn't dislike it.
3 stars - It was interesting. I liked it.
4 stars - It was excellent. I really liked it.
5 stars - It was extraordinary. I really hope the author wrote more things
October 28, 2019
I had some hope for a new author and interesting premise of board gamers. But this book is the romance equivalent of a cosy mystery. I would not be surprised if the author wrote some cosies before. I stopped reading knitting or craft mysteries a while ago. The authors putting hobbies details randomly here there and etc for what seems like the heck of it with little importance to the storyline. This one had a gimmicky end of the story that uses the games to bring resolution but rest of the book felt forced.
Style of writing is way more inner monologue than I would like. The main couple relationship I had high hopes for, but ended up being so meh. No emotional connection, so little showing of their relationship that I didn’t see anything to root for. I took the rest of the books on the series off my TBR list. Too bad.
Style of writing is way more inner monologue than I would like. The main couple relationship I had high hopes for, but ended up being so meh. No emotional connection, so little showing of their relationship that I didn’t see anything to root for. I took the rest of the books on the series off my TBR list. Too bad.
October 9, 2019
Board games! Does anyone still play them? Clearly they do because Holly, after her ex fiancé blew her life up, is working in a game store and beta testing a new one. She's also testing the boundaries of her relationship with Nathan, father of her friend Gwen. This would have benefited from an early on explanation of how Gwen, who is older than 28 year old Holly, can have a 43 year old father. I have to admit that I sympathized with Gwen on this one. I liked her in the first book but she comes off not so nice here, perhaps to create more room for Holly. I also, regrettably, got confused by the game. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Fans of board games and those who like a quick romantic read might enjoy this more than I did.
October 26, 2019
So, I loved all three of the books in this series, but I think AGAINST THE RULES might be my favorite! Age gap romances are JUST SO MUCH MY THING, and I loved the extra "forbiddenness" added by the fact that the main love interest, Nathan, is the heroine's best friend's father! This book has a lot of romance, a lot of strong female friendships, a just a BIT (read: a LOT) of drama.... and an ending that gave me so many warm fuzzies and felt like the perfect conclusion!
The other thing that really made this book stand out, even among the others in the series, was the game that the characters were playing (which is actually created by Shannon, the heroine of book 3!). I didn't know ANYTHING about legacy games (as in, I didn't know they existed) before reading this, but I loved the concept, and the way the game serves as a nice backdrop to the main story. A great central love story is a must-have for a book like this, but a fun subplot that literally made me take a train to the nearest game store a couple of hours after I finished? That's the icing on an already yummy cake that had me turning the pages even faster than I normally would!
While this book can be read as a standalone, I DEFINITELY recommend reading SHE'S GOT GAME first, because Holly's relationship with Gwen (the heroine of that book) is a really important part of the plot, so knowing Gwen and their friendship before you start will only enhance your reading experience. :)
100% highly recommended!
The other thing that really made this book stand out, even among the others in the series, was the game that the characters were playing (which is actually created by Shannon, the heroine of book 3!). I didn't know ANYTHING about legacy games (as in, I didn't know they existed) before reading this, but I loved the concept, and the way the game serves as a nice backdrop to the main story. A great central love story is a must-have for a book like this, but a fun subplot that literally made me take a train to the nearest game store a couple of hours after I finished? That's the icing on an already yummy cake that had me turning the pages even faster than I normally would!
While this book can be read as a standalone, I DEFINITELY recommend reading SHE'S GOT GAME first, because Holly's relationship with Gwen (the heroine of that book) is a really important part of the plot, so knowing Gwen and their friendship before you start will only enhance your reading experience. :)
100% highly recommended!
March 11, 2020
I received an e-arc from Netgalley and sadly I did not care for this book
2 Stars
It's been a while since I started reading this book and I got about 32% of the way through, before that I thought the book was enjoyable/cute. The main character goes through a series of bad blind dates and is staying with her friends dad because she is struggling after a bad breakup. The game sessions were fun but confusing in regards to the details. Everything is leading to a destination wedding that everyone is attending, which roughly was where I stopped reading and the book is in Mexico (or wherever the wedding is?). Basically I stopped when the couple got together because there was no spark plus very fade to black sex scene.
2 Stars
It's been a while since I started reading this book and I got about 32% of the way through, before that I thought the book was enjoyable/cute. The main character goes through a series of bad blind dates and is staying with her friends dad because she is struggling after a bad breakup. The game sessions were fun but confusing in regards to the details. Everything is leading to a destination wedding that everyone is attending, which roughly was where I stopped reading and the book is in Mexico (or wherever the wedding is?). Basically I stopped when the couple got together because there was no spark plus very fade to black sex scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2019
I haven’t read the first book but I do felt like I was missing something that important.
It’s a well written age gap story that has an interesting mix of characters and romance.
I was immersed in the story from the beginning because Molly it’s definitely a great heroine, a woman who is easy to relate to and her story can be of any friend of ours.
Nathan is a great man that loves his family and life but will still stand for himself to find his happiness with his choice of woman and not his daughter’s .
The secondary characters are pictured so well that I definitely want to read their story in the next instalment.
I’ll recommend this book to all my readers friends.
It’s a well written age gap story that has an interesting mix of characters and romance.
I was immersed in the story from the beginning because Molly it’s definitely a great heroine, a woman who is easy to relate to and her story can be of any friend of ours.
Nathan is a great man that loves his family and life but will still stand for himself to find his happiness with his choice of woman and not his daughter’s .
The secondary characters are pictured so well that I definitely want to read their story in the next instalment.
I’ll recommend this book to all my readers friends.
September 29, 2019
2 stars
This book sounded really interesting to me, since I’ve never read anything involving board games. I will say that I wish that the gaming part was better explained. When the characters played the game, I was sometimes very confused. I will say that the relationship between Holly and her ex wasn’t needed, and I don’t think added any importance to the story.
I honestly think that I would be more intrigued by the book if it was just about Nathan and Holly being in a relationship together. I can also say I didn’t really believe their relationship. I didn’t feel the chemistry. I think if Nathan had a point of view, I might think differently.
This book sounded really interesting to me, since I’ve never read anything involving board games. I will say that I wish that the gaming part was better explained. When the characters played the game, I was sometimes very confused. I will say that the relationship between Holly and her ex wasn’t needed, and I don’t think added any importance to the story.
I honestly think that I would be more intrigued by the book if it was just about Nathan and Holly being in a relationship together. I can also say I didn’t really believe their relationship. I didn’t feel the chemistry. I think if Nathan had a point of view, I might think differently.
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