A review by lyss_loves_lit
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood

funny lighthearted

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

This is hands down my fave Ali Hazelwood novella. It is definitely fast-paced, has a fun storyline, a pining, down bad MMC, competing indie video game studios, horny characters, and a snowed-in work retreat (forced proximity!!!!) — what more could you ask for, honestly. 

 

Ms. Hazelwood just knows how to write a guy who yearns and pines so pathetically AND I LOVE IT. I eat it up every single time and I can never get enough. Oh and I LOVE a drunken confession😫. I truly love a guy who worships his woman and is in awe of her existence. 

 

Two Can Play was hot and steamy, as Ali Hazelwood books always are, which can sometimes translate weird on audio but the narrator did a great job for this one! Literally listened to it all in one go, it was so much fun. I haven’t read an Ali Hazelwood on audio before and it was a blast. I especially loved it for Viola’s internal monologue and ramblings. 

 

I LOVED that this got into the meaning of limerence, and I really liked how Ali incorporated its meaning into the story behind the Limerence games. Jesse’s take on the characters and how he saw himself and his crush on Viola in their doomed and unrequited love was so cute🥹I am very glad that Jesse and Viola’s love story is not doomed and they can have their happily ever after. 

 

This definitely left me wanting more though😭 Would not be mad to have a full length story of Viola and Jesse’s relationship, and I’d love more video game focused books in the future ngl. I want this in print ASAP so I can highlight and re-read my fave parts. I will 100% re-listen to this regularly... I need more Ali Hazelwood NOW.