Two Can Play

Full Review:

Rating Breakdown:

• Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Romance: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
• Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
• Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

💕 The Romance & Relationship

The only reason I’m giving the romance three stars is because of multiple reasons. To start, it wasn’t giving true rivals to lovers. Viola and Jesse may work for rival companies, but they weren’t really rivals themselves. Even when their coworkers were plotting, Jesse made a point to stand up for Viola and her company.

Also, this only started because of a chain of miscommunications, all in one conversation by the way. If any of them made more of an effort and said something (more than hi), or confronted each other, it would’ve been resolved sooner. A novella is too short to let the miscommunication turn into yearning and missed connections/timings.

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👥 The Characters

Viola

Viola is who I aspire to be honestly. She thought Jesse hated her and/or was avoiding her, but she still always made the first move in starting conversations and being cordial to him. When there was a project she wanted to do, she did everything she could to secure it. Viola was also the one to 

Jesse

Doubted Jesse in the first half, but then he completely won me over in the second half! He was being respectful and cautious of what he thought Viola wanted, that’s understandable. The minute she said she reciprocated his feelings, he didn’t hesitate to make more of an effort!

Mike & Otto

Will they, won’t they? Listen, what if… we get another novella but about them? They’re both bosses at rival gaming companies with such different personalities and leadership styles. It was giving opposites attract, especially with how puppy-like Mike is!

Ethan

Love that they gave Viola a work husband! Their relationship is so cute, even though they’re just close friends!

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✍️ The Setting & Style

What I Loved:

My first Ali Hazelwood book I’ve ever read! I really love how fun her writing style is. It’s easy to get hooked and keep reading! Her characters are loveable, the plot is fun (if not, predictable), and it’s just a great time!

What Could’ve Been Better:

No complaints here! I know it’s a novella, but gosh I wish it was longer. I loved the setting and plot of this book the most, but at least this makes me excited to read more of her books!

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🎯 Is Two Can Play Worth Reading?

Perfect for fans of:

• Novellas/light reads
• Games/gamers

Consider skipping if:

• You don’t enjoy Ali Hazelwood books
• You don’t want spice