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

For years, Sadie Brooks has declined her best friend’s standing invitation to join his Dungeons & Dragons campaign. But when she unexpectedly loses her marketing job and flees New York City to spend the summer with him in small-town Texas, she also runs out of excuses to say no.

In the game, she becomes Jaylie, a powerful and self-assured human cleric blessed by the Goddess of Luck with spells to heal her companions. But in real life, Sadie believes her luck has run out, and she hopes the distraction will give her time to clear her head and plan next steps.

She never expected Noah Walker—the handsome, outgoing bartender roped into joining them—to factor into that plan. Like Sadie, he’s new in town. But with a taste for adventure, Noah never stays in one place for long. He’s something of a traveling bard—just like his character Loren, the charismatic, lute-strumming elf. While Jaylie finds herself succumbing to the bard’s charms over the course of their party’s travels, Sadie also begins to fall under Noah’s spell.

As their relationship progresses in both worlds, Sadie can’t help but wonder if they might last beyond the game. But when a surprising new opportunity opens in New York, she must face the truth about why she lost her job in the first place—and whether she and Noah have found something in Texas worth staying for. Torn between her career dreams in the city and the exciting uncertainty of a new adventure, she will have no choice but to roll the dice.

My thoughts:

“Roll for Romance” is a delightfully unique entry into the romance genre, featuring an endearing cast, a heartwarming love story, and a thoroughly entertaining plot. Lenora Woods masterfully blends a charming small-town romance with a fantasy adventure worthy of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

The story follows Sadie, a New Yorker facing a streak of bad luck, who decides to spend her summer in Texas with her best friend, Liam. Hoping to reassess her life and find some relaxation, she instead finds herself plunged into the world of D&D, courtesy of Liam, who also introduces her to his circle of friends. Among them is Noah, a ruggedly handsome wanderer in town for the summer to help his college roommate launch a new brewery. As sparks fly both across the gaming table and in real life, Sadie’s future plans become more uncertain than ever.

The true highlight of this novel is its quirky and lovable cast of characters. Even before delving into the central romance, the fellow gamers demand attention. Liam, as the group’s anchor and Dungeon Master, is the connective tissue, though his role sometimes leaves his personality feeling less fleshed out compared to the others. In contrast, fellow players Julie and Morgan are wonderfully developed. It’s a joy to see how Morgan’s in-game persona, Morgana, mirrors her real-life self, while Julie uses her character, Kain, to express traits she normally hides. Their immediate and genuine friendship with Sadie adds a rich, rewarding layer to the story.

As for the main couple, Sadie and Noah, they are an absolute pleasure to follow. Sadie is immensely relatable as a corporate worker grappling with career dissatisfaction and self-doubt, yet she remains smart, funny, and capable. Noah, with his “golden retriever” energy, is her perfect counterbalance—a free spirit who helps her mellow out and discover a new side of herself. Their dynamic is a beautifully executed study in opposites attracting, creating a couple that feels both authentic and deeply satisfying.

The integration of the Dungeons & Dragons gameplay is a standout feature, immediately capturing the reader’s imagination. Lenora Woods employs an immersive storytelling style that makes you feel like you’re rolling dice right alongside the characters. She skillfully differentiates between the campaign and real life while using the former to beautifully develop the characters and their relationships in the latter.

Overall, “Roll for Romance” is a thoroughly adorable story that will enchant both seasoned gamers and complete newcomers alike.

This novel is an irresistibly quirky romance that promises to charm gamers and book lovers. With Sadie, Noah, and their delightful group of friends guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, “Roll for Romance” combines contemporary love, a dash of fantasy, and heaps of fun to create the perfect feel-good read.