A Journey of Heart and Laughter in Dungeons and Drama
When I first stumbled upon Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce, I was immediately captivated by its unique blend of theater and gaming—a delightful combination that brought back memories of my own teenage escapades. As someone who spent countless hours belting out show tunes and diving into fantastical worlds, I knew this YA romcom would resonate deeply with my heart.
At its core, this novel follows Riley Morris, an ambitious high school student with dreams of becoming a Broadway director. When her spring show gets canceled, she’s faced with a dead-end position at her dad’s game store—an establishment rooted more in his passion than her own dreams. Desperate to reclaim her theatrical aspirations, Riley ropes in Nathan Wheeler, her floppy-haired co-worker, to partake in a wildly amusing fake dating scheme. This not only aims to make her ex jealous but also allows her to dive into Nathan’s captivating world of role-playing games—a space where she discovers more than just joy in gaming.
Boyce brilliantly weaves together humor, heart, and the subtle intricacies of young love. The charm of Riley and Nathan’s blossoming relationship feels authentic, as they navigate their roles both in-game and in their real lives. I found the pacing just right—Boyce allows us to savor the slow burn, creating a tension that feels both energized and realistic. Watching these two characters morph from strangers to something deeper encapsulated the essence of what it means to grow up, explore new passions, and face the inevitable awkwardness of young romance.
Kristy Boyce’s writing style is both approachable and vibrant. She captures the teen experience with relatable dialogue and internal musings that echo the sweet uncertainty of first love. One quote that truly resonated with me was when Riley reflects on the irony of pretending to be in love while genuinely feeling sparked by Nathan. “Flirting with him doesn’t require as much acting as I thought it would.” This captures the heart of the book—where authenticity is often concealed beneath layers of pretense, both in relationships and self-discovery.
As I read, I couldn’t help but smile at the perfectly imperfect moments that Riley and Nathan shared, coupled with a supporting cast that felt like a found family—another trope I hold dear. It made me wish I had a friend group that pulled me into adventures while also being my anchors, just like theirs.
In the grand scheme of things, Dungeons and Drama is not just for fans of gaming or musicals; it’s a story about learning to balance our dreams, our identities, and the relationships that shape us along the way. If you enjoy fluffy romances that spark joy while tugging at your heartstrings, this book is your next read. It left me feeling bubbly and nostalgic, a warm reminder that life’s most fulfilling journeys often start with a little bit of chaos and lots of laughter.
So, if you’re looking for a tale that combines enchanting stories of games with heartfelt narratives of young love, pick up a copy of Dungeons and Drama. You might just find yourself lost in its pages, cheering for Riley and Nathan as they discover not only the joy of fake dating but also the thrill of being true to themselves.