Two Can Play

 Title: Two Can Play

Author: Ali Hazelwood

eBook (but paperback and hardcover are available, there’s even large print!)

Pages: 208

Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

ISBN: 9798217192342

Release Date: 02/10/2026

Book Details: I read the eBook version, so I was able to customize my reading experience.

Where To Find It: I got my copy from Libby but it looks to be for sale everywhere you get books.

Time that the story takes place? Current day

POV? First Person

What caught your eye? I saw this on the Barnes and Noble website and I don’t what exactly caught my eye . . . but after reading the sample chapter, I had to read more. Shockingly my wait was short as I was the second one in line to get the book next on Libby.

Did you enjoy it? I really did. I wasn’t sure if I would, because I famously hate, loathe, and despise first person narrative, especially in a romance. But this worked. It was great.

Was it predictable? Not really, no. I was kind of in unfamiliar waters here. But I was a bit shocked how things played out and then how it ended. Awesome!

Was it sexy? Tame? I found it rather sexy. Charmingly sexy.

Did you find it funny? Entertaining? I did. I actually did laugh out loud at many of the descriptions.

Would you read it again? I would.

Is this part of a series? It doesn’t appear to be.

Would you add this to your home library? I think I would, yes. Absolutely.

Okay, first off, if you know me, one of the things I dislike most in a romance is a first-person narrative. Followed very close by first person alternating viewpoints*. However, as it always happens, by some odd quirk of luck and curiosity, I read the sample chapter and was all, “I HAVE to know what happens next!”

And promptly put my name on the wait list at the library via the Libby app.

And another fun fact about me, I seldom, if ever, actually read anything that just came out. Some people are book influencers who read everything the weeks before it hits the shelves. While I have done that as I used to work in a bookshop, I can’t live like that any longer. I sometimes don’t read a new book until it’s been on my home shelf or out in the wild for months, usually years.

So, the fact that this just came out? Progress for me.

The book is pretty straightforward. We have two rival game designer firms/companies, I don’t know what you call them, all you need to know is, these two companies DO NOT like each other. Hate is too soft a term for the emotional feelings of both groups. 

However, both companies have been tapped to work on this super amazing new game based on a book series that is deeply personal to our Leading Lady, Viola Bowen. 

Viola needs to work on this game. This is her dream job, what she’s been working for. She’s also pretty darn good at her job. 

As this is a first-person story, she’s our lead everything. However, Viola is never boring. She’s charming, she’s normal, she feels real. Yes, she’s into games and gaming, she’s got a healthy and hefty nerd flag to fly, but as she’s quick to point out at several points in the story, not all nerds live in a basement like trolls never to emerge into the real world.

I felt so seen.

Our love interest is Jesse Andrews. A few years older, certainly the most imposing figure in the room and also the smartest. He is the true enigma that Viola cannot get a read on. 

They first meet when she’s interviewing with some company (I forget the name) and the CEO is a complete and total ass. Jesse who is sitting in on the interview, chases after Viola when the CEO insults her during the interview and she storms out. Jesse talks with her, assures her that her portfolio is awesome and then suggests another company that is going to be hiring very soon and that she should totally apply.

The two meet off and on again throughout a five year history that we don’t see all of, Viola only tells us the highlights. They do have some mutual friends which is always bringing them together in hopeful yet unfulfilled meetings.

In fact, Viola is absolutely, 100% certain that Jesse hates her. Especially after one disastrous meeting at a family engagement party and right up until that point, Viola had been fostering a serious crush on Jesse. But after this incident? Not so much.

Jesse now works for a kick ass game design company . . . the rival company that has been tapped to help design this super amazing game. However, the main company is hesitant to hire the two indie firms to work on this as the beef between the two is well documented. 

Viola and Jesse are the lead designers at the respective companies, and both have personal reasons for wanting to work on this particular project. 

So, the two rival companies are to go on a five day retreat up in the mountains to see if they can get along. However, things don’t go smoothly at first, as one would expect. No one wants to talk to each other; no one wants to be around each other. 

And this is where our Viola finally gets a chance to ask Jesse, “What’s your deal?” As every meeting that she’s had with him in the last five years has been met with some underlying hostility. Viola is shocked as when they first met, he was so nice and charming, so helpful and thoughtful, that his behavior now is downright rude.

What was great about this story is that it isn’t just Viola and Jesse, other relationships are mentioned and seen through Viola’s eyes and they’re all charming and endearing. 

One of my biggest complaints about first person narratives is that they never seem to be done well. When I was a kid, most of the stories I read were in first person and I never really noticed. It didn’t bother me. It’s only been in the last decade or so that the number of romances told in first person has been overwhelming, so much so that it’s nearly put me off all romances as so many tried and true authors I follow suddenly started doing it.

And not doing it well, I might add.

Ali Hazlewood is very good at what she does. In fact, she’s awesome at it. She’s able to construct fully rounded characters without us seeing a single thought from their heads, their spoken dialogue combined with what Viola tells us, really fills in the gaps nicely. The story feels fully formed and enjoyable. I’ve read a few other things from Hazlewood and I’ll be honest, all of them have been enjoyable. But I think it’s also from the fact that Hazlewood is that girl, you know? I think she’s a bit of a scientific nerd girl who gets that not all of us nerds look like what is being portrayed in the media. 

We’re normal. Mostly.

This was a lovely story. It was funny, charming, relatable, adorable, and I’d even say rather true to life. It felt real and yet it felt like a lovely fairytale. 

If you like Ali Hazelwood books and haven’t read this one, absolutely give it a go. And if you’re a gaming nerd, I think you’d really enjoy this as well.

*I’m sorry but these alternating viewpoints have got to stop. Not all of us get to finish a chapter before putting in the bookmark, and it’s so annoying to come back and try to figure out which head I’m in. Especially if I’m reading an eBook. That’s seriously the second thing I look at when I read sample chapters now, right after seeing what POV we’re in. When I see those alternating chapters . . . nope, nope, nope. Sorry, I can’t do it.

End of Summer Update

 I’ve been absent from the internet for so long and for so many reasons. Life has been very rich, as my husband likes to say. Good, bad, interesting, alarming, relaxing, lovely, so very cold, and so very hot. We’ve had to vacate our home several times this year as particular repairs made it not logical to remain at home.

Yet through the entire year, thus far, I have maintained my new hobby of making a journal every month and writing in it faithfully since December 15, 2024. 

And in that time, I’m happy to report that my handwriting has improved drastically. I’ve upgraded my disposable fountain pen with not one, but two better fountain pens. I’ve bought inks and converters and small syringes to fill up empty ink cartridges. I even have a box on my desk that holds my very modest collection of pens and mechanical pencils. 

I’ve been on the internet less. I’m watching less television (not that I was a huge watcher of anything) and listening to more music (physical media forever!) and have developed a new love of baseball as I sit and listen to games nearly every night whilst baking cookies, pasting things in my journal, flipping through magazines, or just sipping a glass of something with a touch of authority in it.

I must say, you don’t realize how nice it is to have less noise in your life until you turn everything off. The cicadas are in full glory, screaming well into the evening. Our little baby bunny that we found this spring has grown and ventured out on her own, but she comes back every night to sleep in the mint garden. 

So, all is well here, hope the same is true for you.

How to Court a Rake

 Title: How To Court A Rake

Author: Bronwyn Scott

Paperback 

Pages: 268

Publisher: Harlequin 

ISBN: 9781335540034

Release Date: April

Where To Find It: Wherever books are sold!

Time that the story takes place? Late June 1826

POV? Third Person

What caught your eye? It was written by new my favorite author Bronwyn Scott.

Did you enjoy it? God yes.

Was it predictable? Actually no. 

Was it sexy? Tame? It was sexy alright, but intellectually sexy. Smart sexy.

Did you find it funny? Entertaining? Wildly entertaining.

Would you read it again? You betcha!

Is this part of a series? It is, Wed Within A Year

This is seriously one of the best books I’ve read this year. Which is really saying something as the last “best book I’ve read this year” was from the same author. What can I say, this lady knows how to write. What truly infuriates me is the fact that this book is one of the Harlequin Monthly offerings . . . as in, get it while it’s out because there’s no promise of getting a hard copy once the supply is depleted. This book deserves to be at the counter at every major bookseller with candles and wreaths of gold surrounding it.

All weekend I’ve been telling my husband the blasphemous line, “If Jane Austen were writing today, this is the stuff she’d be writing.” And I don’t care if I’m being overdramatic, this book is pure gold.

Now, even though this is a review, there’s a great deal I’m hesitant to speak of as I don’t want to ruin any surprises. On the other hand, I wish I had the time and space to go chapter by chapter to point out the wonderful details of the glorious book. 

Caine Parkhurst our truly fearless hero, is a spy. He and his three brothers are The Four Horsemen, doing whatever is needed and necessary to protect King and Country, though entirely out of sight. The four brothers are considered rakes and unsuitable for any lady.

Lady Mary Kimber is our leading lady and she’s had the misfortune of having “lost” a couple of dukes as prospective husbands in the last few Seasons. Sadly, the young lady has a very loathsome set of parents. Sorry, but they are. Especially her father, yikes.

As there are already several reviews online detailing the meat of this story and all covering the same bases of what this book is about, I’m going to bypass all the talk of spies and intrigue and having to find a spouse by the end of the year and talk about what really made this book wonderful. At least to me. 

The relationship between Caine and Lady Mary is so pure and natural. From their first meeting at a ball and making obligatory small talk before he asks her for a dance—which turns out to be a disaster when he has to literally leave her on the dancefloor—to their second meeting at yet another ball, where he asks her dance again and this time finishes it.

Not only to do they finish it, but they go for a stroll in the garden and end up sneaking into a room not in use during this party and have a bit of a chat. Chapter Six, I must say that was one of the most delightful chapters in the book. And it I think it’s because at this point, there is no motive. There is no scheme to woo or court Mary, and she has no real romantic interest in him, they are merely friends sharing a quiet moment and a drink together. It was a chapter that really sets the tone for their budding relationship, they are able to simply talk to each other. Not only that, but they also seem to enjoy each other’s company. 

One of the things I love the most about Bronwyn Scott’s writing is the fact that she creates intelligent characters. Her women are smart with more than one interest and are accomplished. Lady Mary is an excellent horsewoman and damn good shot when it comes to archery. The men are equally smart and don’t ply their women with nonsensical sweet nothings, they are protective, sensitive, and have the ability to totally beat your ass if you cross the line.

At one point in the book, Caine and Mary are having a competition in jumping horses over various obstacles. Never once is Caine annoyed or upset that Mary is going to beat him in this friendly competition, he’s actually proud and impressed with her skill. He knows he’s a good rider and clearly doesn’t mind being beaten by a woman.

In so many novels, one struggles to see beyond the lust and haze of romance to understand why and how these two people fell in love. Not here, you can absolutely see why they fell for each other. While of course we could argue that it’s obvious from the start of the novel that these two will end up together, it isn’t obvious to our leads, and that’s the joy of it. Watching Caine come to Lady Mary’s aid on more than one occasion, the inside jokes between them, the athletic relationship between them, and of course the sensual relationship is perfect.

You can see them finding a solace and peace in each other and I found that to be more romantic than anything else. 

Do yourself a favor and pre-order this book at once. It is delightful. Delightful, charming, romantic, suspenseful, and all at the same time. I was never bored for one minute, and the epilogues! Yes, plural: epilogues! I felt as if I were watching a period drama and all that was needed was a true fade to black with the words “To be continued,” scrolled across the screen.

I thank Madam Scott for sending me this book. I have enjoyed every single book of yours I’ve read thus far and I’m certain I’ll enjoy all the rest. You are a truly gifted author.

No Quitters Here

 Well, unlike some people, I don’t believe in starting resolutions on Day 1, be it the start of the New Year or the beginning of the month. I start when I chose. 

I started in December.

Nothing major, in fact it’s not even really a goal, more of a whim. 

I had watched a video on the ever helpful YouTube on how to make your own journal. Making the cover, creating the signatures, sewing it all together and BING BANG BOOM . . . you have a journal.

Now this journal is not beautiful. No seriously, it’s not even as pretty as some of those junk journals you see being paraded about. This is the most generic thing I could possibly hobble together. 

A page out of a yellow legal pad, a page out of a white project pad, a couple of pieces out of a spiral notebook, and my cover was cut from an oversized manilla folder. Everything I used was found up in my office, collecting dust.

I mean, I wasn’t about to use the good papers for this.

Starting on December 15th, as that’s when I made this thing, I kept my handmade journal on my desk so that I would be prompted to use it. It was already hideous, any attempts of an artistic nature would only improve the look of it.

To be honest, I didn’t think I’d use the blasted thing. However, to my delight, I have faithfully been adding some kind of information to the journal for the last month. Mostly weather and astronomical events, what creatures have visited the backyard, and my new attempt at improving my handwriting with a barely used disposable fountain pen.

Fear not, I won’t bore you with photos of my entries because well . . . they aren’t that interesting. 

But this journaling is my resolution so to speak. A place to collect my feeble attempts to improve my handwriting. A place to notate the various birds and squirrels and one rabbit that come to visit every afternoon. A place to jot down those little happenings one sentence at a time.

So that is my whimsical goal, create a journal roughly every 30 days during the year and see what it all looks like at the end.

Five Month Round Up

 And here I meant to actually keep up with things. *shrugs* Not like anyone noticed, right?

So . . . the last few books I’ve read have been just a mixture of “What in the hell did I just read?” and “Who in the hell enjoys this crap?” Followed closely by, “Why did I keep reading?!” Followed directly with, “What is wrong with me, why did I keep reading?”

I’ve tried to spread my wings a bit in the reading department. Decided to “listen” to a few of the rave reviews on BookBub and Goodreads. Nearly all the books I read or attempted to read in April were in the POV of First Person, which I just loathe. I won’t get into it, but when it comes to romances, it’s just a big turn off for me and I usually don’t make it beyond the first sentence.

However, I told myself that I was trying new things. 

And shockingly, the first book was enjoyable. But it went all downhill from there. Downhill on greased skis with a flamethrower shooting out the back. 

Even though the list was long and varied, these are the three standouts from last month:

Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood

Passion Flower by Diana Palmer

Searching for Heather by Susan Stoker

Instead of the good, the bad, and the ugly I’m going to say these are the What, the Huh, and the Okay Then.

January Round Up

I read eight books this month. I’ve pledged to read 48 for the year, I figured roughly a book a week, with a couple of weeks off for holidays and such. Anyway, here are the books I read this month in no particular order. (That’s a lie, this is absolutely the order I read them in!)

The Midwife’s Marriage Proposal by Sarah Morgan

The Beast and the Bookseller by Eva Devon

Organizing for the Rest of Us by Dana K. White

Once Upon a Winter’s Eve by Tessa Dare

I’d Rather Be Reading by Guinevere de la Mare

When A Scot Ties The Knot by Tessa Dare

Montana Blaze by Lori Wilde and Julie Harrington

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare

Oddly the first and last books had a similar theme. The Midwife’s Marriage Proposal and The Governess Game both dealt with women that were orphans. Montana Blaze and The Beast and the Bookseller involved women who worked in bookstores and hoped to take them over in the future.

The standout author for me as you may have already guessed, was Tessa Dare. While I was aware of her, I never gave her much of a chance. So glad I did. When a Scot Ties the Knot may have been my favorite of the month with The Governess Game right behind it.

There are two books on the list that were just awful, I won’t name them, but let’s just say . . . WOW, I can’t believe those got published.

The Beast and the Bookseller

Title: The Beast and the Bookseller

Author: Eva Devon

eBook (though paperback is available)

Pages: 150

Publisher: Entangled

ISBN: 9781649372482

Release Date: 6-5-2023

Book Details: The eBook is published by Entangled, however the paperback is independently published and costs a butt load more money to acquire.

Where To Find It: I got my copy at B&N

Time that the story takes place? Sometime between 1813 and 1817, the book never tells us. Our only clue is that Pride and Prejudice plays heavily in this and considering that Jane Austen signs a copy of the Leading Lady’s book, it has to be before she died. So that’s where I got my timeframe.

POV? Third person

What caught your eye? Well, it has Beast and Bookseller in the title, what more did I need? It was also on sale for a stupidly cheap price, so into the cart it went.

Did you enjoy it? Yes and no. Depending on the chapter I was on, I loved it, other times, I found it tolerable.

Was it predictable? Up to a point. But seeing as this was so vastly different from most books of this time and genre, I wasn’t certain where or how this story was going to play out.

Was it sexy? Tame? Odd sexy. The first time they are together, there’s a mention of Elizabeth (the Leading Lady) still in her stockings and boots, wearing nothing else, just the stockings and boots and things are happening, and her booted feet are mentioned again and I’m all like . . . “Listen, you all gotta take those boots off or someone’s gonna get hurt. That’s all I’m saying.” But they never once mentioned the boots coming off! And they don’t even do it in the bed the first time! They do it in front of a fire, in a room in a coaching inn! Do you have any idea how dirty those places are? I mean, sure, maybe that’s why the boots were left on, but you’re going to put your bare ass on a rug that just anyone has stomped on? I don’t even like sitting on sofas at The Marriott, I’m sure as hell not getting on the floor.

Did you find it funny? Entertaining? Not gut busting funny, but certainly entertaining. Interesting and entertaining. I smiled a couple of times, that’s about it.

Would you read it again? I honestly don’t know. I want to say yes, but it was lacking in something that I can’t put my finger on. There were moments were I really struggled to keep going and only did press on because the NOOK said I only had 30 more pages to go. Sweet hell, those 30 pages just DRAGGED.

Is this part of a series? It is, Once Upon A Wallflower and this is Book One!

*As I wrote this review for a friend, P&P stands for Pride and Prejudice*

Okay, we both love P&P and I’m always super jazzed to see any Austen works put into a novel for reference. However, I feel like this was seriously overdone. Elizabeth, she’s the Leading Lady, I know right? What a coincidence! Anyway, Elizabeth is working at her father’s bookstore, Sharpe and Son. Her father has all but succumbed to his grief in losing his wife roughly a year before, in an attempt to Sharpe his “proper” heir, a son, the wife dies, leaving daughter Elizabeth behind and thus “unworthy” of not only inheriting the business, but actually running it. Even though, that’s all Elizabeth does, she runs that store inside and out and the place is thriving.

There’s a contract or tradition that’s contractually obligated, I don’t know, it’s stupid . . . However, Sharpe and Son are to deliver books to the Duke’s house every week and Papa Sharpe has been so into his drink of late that he’s fallen behind on his duties. Duke boy is pissed and wants his books. He NEEDS his books. (Like, it’s a whole thing about the books, with both of them. We’re talking drug junkie need here, it was almost too much.)

But Papa Sharpe is not there, and Elizabeth must deal with the beastly Duke and says she’ll bring him his beloved books every week. Anything to keep the store afloat.

She starts bringing the books, and of course that’s all she wrote.

Well, not really, but honestly, it’s just so damned predictable that it’s not even worth going into it all. It was a pleasant enough read, but at times I really struggled to keep going with it. It was romantic enough, but not enough to go, “OMG that is so romantic! What a catch of a man!” He—the Duke—is only interesting in private. Most of the time he’s a dick to everyone. Even at the end of the book, he’s being an ass to Elizabeth, and one his friend (the dude only has one), and honestly there wasn’t enough conflict to make this story interesting. Don’t even get me started on the whole Duke in love with a Shop Girl scandal, it just didn’t work.

So many parts of this book were underdeveloped while others were harped on too much. 150 pages? While I’d say this should have been expanded to at least 250 or 300 pages, I don’t think more would have been a good thing. 

And there was just too much mention of Elizabeth and Darcy, too much referencing of Austen and her work. I can’t believe I’m saying that, but it was true, it was just too much.

The story ends with Duke boy bringing Elizabeth an autographed copy of P&P, with possibly the stupidest inscription I’ve ever seen. All I could think was, Jane Austen would not have written that! Just, no.