Crushing It
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4.3 • 21 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
A June Goodreads Must Read Romance
“Relatable, funny, and charming.”
—Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of Frostblood
In life, as in gaming, there’s a way around every obstacle . . .
To pitch her new role-playing game at a European conference, developer Sierra Reid needs to overcome her terror of public speaking. What better practice than competing in a local bar’s diary slam, regaling an audience with old journal entries about her completely humiliating college crush on gorgeous Tristan Spencer?
Until the moderator says, “Next up, Tristan Spencer . . .”
Sierra is mortified, but Tristan is flattered. Caught up in memories of her decade-old obsession as they reconnect, Sierra tries to dismiss her growing qualms about him. But it’s not so easy to ignore her deepening friendship with Alfie, the cute, supportive bar owner. She and Alfie were college classmates too, and little by little, Sierra is starting to wonder if she’s been focusing her moves on the wrong target all along, misreading every player’s motivations.
Maybe the only winning strategy is to start playing by her heart . . .
“Relatable, funny, and charming, this gamingesque book delivers laughs and romance in a warm, satisfying bundle.”
—Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of Frostblood
“Sexy and delicious.”
—Kristin Wright, author of Lying Beneath the Oaks
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Parker's frothy debut offers lots of rom-com antics but little heart. Sierra Reid, an Atlanta, Ga., video game developer, must overcome her fear of public speaking if she wants to be selected to pitch her company's newest game at Gamescon in Germany. When she crashes and burns at her audition, her best friend convinces her to take part in the Chagrin Challenge, a multinight competition hosted by a local bar to see who can share the most humiliating story. Sierra decides to read an excerpt from her college diary detailing her intense, unrequited feelings for her arrogant classmate Tristan Spencer who just happens to be in the audience. The only thing calming Sierra's mortification is the support of the bar's handsome owner, Alfie Jordan. As the competition continues, Sierra navigates her confused feelings for both Tristan and Alfie and learns the true nature of both men. Though Parker's over-the-top humor will surely strike a chord with some readers, it frequently comes at the expense of character development and emotional honesty, and the juvenile behavior of the characters will disappoint mature romance fans. Readers looking for a laugh will be gratified, but those hoping for depth will find this an easy pass.
Customer Reviews
Absolutely fabulous
This book is absolutely fantastic. Parker's voice is like chatting with an old friend. My own crippling fear of public speaking (although thankfully not based on a traumatizing event) and love of games made it easy to relate to Sierra. It was interesting to see her falling back into old patterns—because that's what we do. Sierra was intensely human, and I love that about her.
The rivalry between Alfie and Tristan was very well-executed. And the end absoutely perfect.
Also, I want a dress with smiley-faced planets on it.