Roll for Love: A Joyful Adventure through Friendship and Identity
When I stumbled upon Roll for Love by Alethea K. J. Sugar, I was immediately drawn in by its delightful premise. There’s something undeniably captivating about exploring life and love through the lens of Dungeons & Dragons—a game that holds a special place in my heart. As a self-proclaimed "critter" and a lover of all things role-playing, I felt an instant connection to this story. And I’m so glad I took the leap; this book has given me genuine joy and a few giggles along the way!
At its core, Roll for Love is a heartwarming tale of second chances, friendship, and identity. Harper returns to her mother’s small town after her grandfather’s passing, reigniting her childhood crush on Ollie, who, as it turns out, shared those feelings too. Their chemistry leaps off the page as they reconnect in both real life and their tabletop gaming sessions, where their characters mirror their personal growth and emotional struggles. I particularly loved the dual POV format, which allowed me to get intimately acquainted with both girls. Ollie’s anxious moments were heart-wrenching and relatable; I felt an overwhelming protective urge towards her.
The D&D elements were a standout feature for me. It was an absolute delight to witness the unfolding of their campaign, complete with the strains of magic and tension—much like the excitement I feel during a Critical Role episode. The characters were vividly depicted through both their roles in the game and in their real-world interactions, with the clever back-and-forth between character and player during pivotal scenes adding depth and authenticity. “You can work through things in a fictional world that feel too dangerous for reality,” as the book aptly puts it, truly resonated with my own experiences, making every dice roll feel charged with meaning.
However, as much as I adored the first half, the pacing faltered a bit in the second act. There were fleeting moments where I found myself wishing for more depth—more "scenes" rather than "summaries." For instance, I wanted to see Harper and Ollie painting the barn together instead of merely hearing about it. Their burgeoning relationship, though sweet, could have benefited from more explicit exploration during those warm moments. And while I appreciated the focus on Harper’s journey to define her future beyond traditional college paths, the resolution felt a tad predictable, mixing conflict and tension in a way that was perhaps too neatly tied up for my liking.
There was also a thematic element regarding coming out that left me ambivalent. I often struggle with how these narratives are portrayed in young adult literature, and while I recognize the importance of honesty, I found some of the implications around being “out” complicated. Ollie’s reflection about owing everyone honesty felt like a sentiment I wanted to unpack more deeply, opening a nuanced discussion about personal truths and societal expectations.
Even so, the audiobook experience was fantastic. The narrators—Natalie Naudus, Mary Helen Gallucci, and André Santana—brought the story to life in wonderful ways, with the D&D scenes feeling particularly engaging. I couldn’t help but smile at the playful banter and charming deliveries.
In conclusion, Roll for Love is a sweet, tender read that many young adults and anyone who loves a good D&D campaign will enjoy. It’s a journey full of delightful awkwardness, heartfelt moments, and the kind of chemistry that brings a smile to your face. This book sparked joy in me as a reader, and I hope it brings the same sense of wonder and connection to others seeking reflective, personal stories cloaked in the wonder of friendship and adventure. If you enjoy a well-crafted tale of self-discovery amongst the backdrop of fantasy games, this one is undoubtedly worth your time.