On the HahaFiction shelf
Dungeons and Drama
Riley wants to direct her high school’s musical, but her parents have grounded her to a job at her dad’s game store. A fake romance with coworker Nathan offers each of them a way to make someone jealous. Keeping up appearances means joining his Dungeons & Dragons game, where Riley’s theater experience finally has a use.
From the publisher’s blurb
“A fun YA romcom full of fake dating hijinks!”Read the full description at Random House Children’s Books’ description
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What makes it funny?
Riley has a defense ready for almost every bad decision. In the publisher’s opening chapter, she privately reasons that driving faster might have saved her from getting caught on an unlicensed trip to a musical. She wisely keeps that argument from her mother.
The comedy at work
A theater kid has to act her way through a pretend relationship while learning a role-playing game. Nathan’s campaign even gives her a bard to play, and keeping the romance fake gets harder as she enjoys his company.
Try this if…
Teen romance readers who like fake dating, musical theater or tabletop games have several ways into Riley’s story. Parents in book groups recommend it to young teens, and adult readers also express interest.
Good to know
Readers in book groups describe the romance as PG or clean; that is their assessment rather than an official rating. They describe Dating and Dragons as a companion following a new couple, which can be read independently.
From book groups
Questions readers ask
- Is the sequel the same type of story?
- Readers say Dating and Dragons also pairs gaming with romance, but follows a new couple.
More funny contemporary romance
Sources & further reading
- Reader discussion
Reader discussion
- Publisher: description and opening chapter
Publisher
- Publishers Weekly review
Review
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