Two video game creators go head-to-head in this delightful, queer enemies-to-lovers workplace romance debut.

Cat Li cares about two things: video games and swoony romances. The former means there hasn’t been much of the latter in her (real) life, but when she lands her dream job writing the love storylines for Compass Hollow—the next big thing in games—she knows it’s all been worth it. Then she meets her boss: the infamous Andi Zhang, who’s not only an arrogant hater of happily-ever-afters determined to keep Cat from doing her job but also impossibly, annoyingly hot.

As Compass Hollow’s narrative director, Andi couldn’t care less about love—in-game or out. After getting doxxed by internet trolls three years ago, Andi’s been trying to prove to the gaming world that they’re a serious gamedev. Their plan includes writing the best game possible, with zero lovey-dovey stuff. That is, until the man funding the game’s development insists Andi add romance in order to make the story “more appealing to female gamers.”

Forced to give Cat a chance, Andi begrudgingly realizes there’s more to Cat than romantic idealism and, okay, a cute smile. But admitting that would mean giving up the single-player life that has kept their heart safe for years. And when Cat uncovers a behind-the-scenes plan to destroy Andi’s career, the two will have to put their differences aside and find a way to work together before it’s game over.

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

We don’t get many books about video games – and we get even fewer LGBTQIA+ books set in the video game world, so I was super-excited to get an advance copy of this one from the publisher. While the plot doesn’t break new ground in terms of surprises, the vivid characters and the unique gaming-industry backdrop more than make up for it. If you’re a fan of workplace romances, gaming culture, or witty banter, this book is definitely worth your time.

The book focuses on Cat Li, an overly enthusiastic and hopelessly romantic writer who has finally landed her dream job working on Compass Hollow, a major new game. Her task? To bring a swoon-worthy romance subplot to life. However, her boss, Andi Zhang (the other MC), is a no-nonsense narrative director who has no patience for love stories- either in video games or in real life. The clash between Cat’s romantic idealism and Andi’s pragmatic approach creates a fun enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine dynamic that drives the story forward.

From the get-go, Cat is a standout character. She’s unapologetically passionate about both video games and romance, which makes her instantly relatable. What makes Cat truly shine, however, is her sense of humor. She’s absolutely hilarious, with quips and observations that had me laughing out loud multiple times. Her optimism and determination to bring love to the narrative of Compass Hollow are infectious, and her personality lights up every scene she’s in.

Andi Zhang, on the other hand, is a more complex character. Initially, their standoffish demeanor and disdain for romance make them seem like a typical “grumpy” counterpart in the classic grumpy/sunshine dynamic. But as the story unfolds, we see the layers behind Andi’s guarded exterior, shaped by past trauma and professional challenges they face as a non-binary person in a cis-het-male dominated profession. Their journey – from resisting Cat’s romantic ideas to slowly warming up to both her creativity and her charm – is deeply satisfying. The chemistry between Cat and Andi is electric, with a mix of banter, tension, and tender moments that keep you rooting for them. It helps that we get alternating chapters from both character’s perspectives, giving us a full-picture view of what is really happening.

Throughout the novel, both Cat and Andi have to confront their personal fears and biases, which adds emotional weight to the story. Andi’s reluctance to open up and Cat’s determination to prove herself as more than just a “romance writer” create compelling personal journeys that enrich the central romance.

As I mentioned earlier, the video game industry is a fresh and intriguing backdrop for a romantic comedy. Tai’s depiction of the development process makes the book feel authentic and adds depth to the story. The challenges Andi faces, including recovering from a doxxing incident and trying to prove their worth in a competitive industry, highlight real issues in the gaming world, making the narrative more impactful.

That said, the plot of Single Player follows a fairly predictable trajectory. While there are stakes – like Cat and Andi needing to save Andi’s career and deliver a compelling game – the outcomes are pretty predictable – especially for rom-com lovers (and that’s not necessarily a bad thing).

I both read a paperback ARC and listened to an ALC of this title and loved the narration provided by Natalie Naudus. Naudus was able to give both Cat and Andi different inflections and personalities, so it was never difficult to know which character was in charge of the narrative at any given time. If you prefer audiobooks, I recommend this one.

While the novel might not reinvent the wheel in terms of romantic comedy plots, its endearing characters, clever humor, and unique setting make it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Cat’s hilarious antics, Andi’s layered personality, and the behind-the-scenes look at video game creation all come together to create a story that is as entertaining as it is heartwarming. If you’re looking for a romance that combines workplace drama, geeky charm, and a healthy dose of laughs, this book is a solid pick.