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Roll for Romance #2
Date Knight
Each book in the Roll for Romance series can be read as a standalone.
A side quest he never saw coming…Phil Owen has it all figured out – or rather his character in his weekly role-playing game does. In real life? Not so much.
When his best friend’s sister Amy Evans returned home broken hearted six months ago, inviting her to join the game seemed like the kind thing to do. But now, all it’s done is given her another way to drive him crazy, in more ways than one.
Yet when an unwelcome character from Amy’s past turns up in her present, Phil gets to play the hero in real life. His quest? Three months as Amy’s fake boyfriend, and a chance to turn fantasy into reality…
A side quest he never saw coming…Phil Owen has it all figured out – or rather his character in his weekly role-playing game does. In real life? Not so much.
When his best friend’s sister Amy Evans returned home broken hearted six months ago, inviting her to join the game seemed like the kind thing to do. But now, all it’s done is given her another way to drive him crazy, in more ways than one.
Yet when an unwelcome character from Amy’s past turns up in her present, Phil gets to play the hero in real life. His quest? Three months as Amy’s fake boyfriend, and a chance to turn fantasy into reality…
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2025
10 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 24, 2025
Huge thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for this ARC! All thoughts are my own.
It’s really no wonder why I requested this - a gamer romance with a suuuper cute cover - I was all in! Sadly, this was a miss for me. I tried really hard to like this but it wasn’t for me.
This was a cozy romance with dementia/care-taker representation. While I felt this part was extremely well done and I could feel the struggles of the MMC - the rest of the story was where it fell through for me. In all honesty, I would’ve read a whole book about the MMC & his grandma.
The romance started so fast that the rest of the book relied heavily on breaking them apart to put them back together. And there’s a few things (the vacation they sprung on him, her jealousy, abandoning his friend with benefits while he was the one who invited her, her reaction to his grandma’s fall, her being relieved her ex cheated on her, her ex, etc.) that irritated me to no ends.
The book reads very young - despite the characters being between the ages of 25-30. The FMC relied on astrology & tarot cards to sort out her issues but she needed to see a therapist. She was very whiny and I despised her in a lot of moments, unfortunately. A lot of words & concepts screamed TikTok (for instance : the use of « short king »).
Although a few things hindered my reading experience, I did like the parts where the FMC or the friend group came together to help the MMC out… even if it took them him breaking apart to do so 😅
As always, reading is subjective. I didn’t enjoy this one but you might!
It’s really no wonder why I requested this - a gamer romance with a suuuper cute cover - I was all in! Sadly, this was a miss for me. I tried really hard to like this but it wasn’t for me.
This was a cozy romance with dementia/care-taker representation. While I felt this part was extremely well done and I could feel the struggles of the MMC - the rest of the story was where it fell through for me. In all honesty, I would’ve read a whole book about the MMC & his grandma.
The romance started so fast that the rest of the book relied heavily on breaking them apart to put them back together. And there’s a few things (the vacation they sprung on him, her jealousy, abandoning his friend with benefits while he was the one who invited her, her reaction to his grandma’s fall, her being relieved her ex cheated on her, her ex, etc.) that irritated me to no ends.
The book reads very young - despite the characters being between the ages of 25-30. The FMC relied on astrology & tarot cards to sort out her issues but she needed to see a therapist. She was very whiny and I despised her in a lot of moments, unfortunately. A lot of words & concepts screamed TikTok (for instance : the use of « short king »).
Although a few things hindered my reading experience, I did like the parts where the FMC or the friend group came together to help the MMC out… even if it took them him breaking apart to do so 😅
As always, reading is subjective. I didn’t enjoy this one but you might!
July 1, 2025
This was such a cute read, I adored it! I'm just getting into my romance stride lately after avoiding these types of books for years, and this one was a brilliant book.
Amy is the little sister of a friendship group - it's her big brother, Jack's, friends, but she's always been welcomed by them. And now she's joined their D&D campaign after one of the group members has left. Meanwhile, Phil, Jack's best friend, is caring for his ailing grandmother, creating costumes for an upcoming fantasy festival, doing online data entry jobs to make money, and still trying to hold together a social life, he doesn't have time for a relationship. But when Amy's past shows up on her doorstep, Jack needs to step in as the hero - her fake boyfriend. I'm sure you can figure out how the direction this takes!
It's a cutesy romance, and I like the small town setting with a nerdy group who are into fantasy - did I mention I'm going to a fantasy festival this summer?! There is also emotional depth added with Jack's grandmother's dementia, how he, his friends and family deal with it. There is some spice, but it doesn't take over the story and isn't in too much detail - I'd say maybe 3/5 spice level.
It's book 2 of the Roll for Romance series but I read it as a standalone which can easily be done. There were some references that I think would have had a little more impact had I known some of the group's history, but it didn't take away from the story at all. I'm now definitely going to read book 1, You've Got Chain Mail.
The chapters in this book alternate between Phil and Amy's perspectives, but there are also chapters interspersed throughout the book from the D&D campaign that brings their friendship group together. This is a fun, unique touch and I really appreciated it being there as it adds a lot to a book that would otherwise be quite cookie cutter. The only complaint I have is that I didn't click with these at first as the first chapter was one of these and I couldn't immediately figure out who was who in real life - maybe this is the only part where reading book 1 might have been necessary, but while these chapters added something unique, I don't think it would take away from the plot if you didn't read them.
It's a tricky rating as I'd say it's closer to 4 stars than 5, but I'm rounding up as I want to see it do well - it's one a lot of people will love!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a copy of this book.
Amy is the little sister of a friendship group - it's her big brother, Jack's, friends, but she's always been welcomed by them. And now she's joined their D&D campaign after one of the group members has left. Meanwhile, Phil, Jack's best friend, is caring for his ailing grandmother, creating costumes for an upcoming fantasy festival, doing online data entry jobs to make money, and still trying to hold together a social life, he doesn't have time for a relationship. But when Amy's past shows up on her doorstep, Jack needs to step in as the hero - her fake boyfriend. I'm sure you can figure out how the direction this takes!
It's a cutesy romance, and I like the small town setting with a nerdy group who are into fantasy - did I mention I'm going to a fantasy festival this summer?! There is also emotional depth added with Jack's grandmother's dementia, how he, his friends and family deal with it. There is some spice, but it doesn't take over the story and isn't in too much detail - I'd say maybe 3/5 spice level.
It's book 2 of the Roll for Romance series but I read it as a standalone which can easily be done. There were some references that I think would have had a little more impact had I known some of the group's history, but it didn't take away from the story at all. I'm now definitely going to read book 1, You've Got Chain Mail.
The chapters in this book alternate between Phil and Amy's perspectives, but there are also chapters interspersed throughout the book from the D&D campaign that brings their friendship group together. This is a fun, unique touch and I really appreciated it being there as it adds a lot to a book that would otherwise be quite cookie cutter. The only complaint I have is that I didn't click with these at first as the first chapter was one of these and I couldn't immediately figure out who was who in real life - maybe this is the only part where reading book 1 might have been necessary, but while these chapters added something unique, I don't think it would take away from the plot if you didn't read them.
It's a tricky rating as I'd say it's closer to 4 stars than 5, but I'm rounding up as I want to see it do well - it's one a lot of people will love!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a copy of this book.
July 23, 2025
Maybe I need to start reading more romance books because I read this in one sitting in a handful of hours and now have the first one in the series on hold at my library. I am sorely hurt that I have to wait to read it and that since this one publishes in a few weeks, a third book will be a wait as well (but best believe I'll be applying for that ARC!) I was looking for a nice light read to balance some of the heavier books I've been reading recently and this delivered, while also hoisting a few heavy topics of its own.
Amy has been in love with her brother's best friend Phil her entire life, but after (eventually disclosed events) one night five years ago, the two have barely spoken. Amy's crush is still simmering as she joins her brother's friends D&D group upon moving home, and unbeknownst to her, Phil hasn't stopped thinking about her in five years either. So, when Amy's ex-boyfriend comes to town to tell her he is engaged to her Uni best friend, who he also cheated on Amy with, and Phil steps in to act as her fake boyfriend, what could go wrong?
Was this predictable? Yes. Was it also realistic? Yes. I recommend this to fans of romance, especially "these two idiots are the only ones that don't realize they're in love with each other" romance, dungeons and dragons and Renaissance Faires.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
Amy has been in love with her brother's best friend Phil her entire life, but after (eventually disclosed events) one night five years ago, the two have barely spoken. Amy's crush is still simmering as she joins her brother's friends D&D group upon moving home, and unbeknownst to her, Phil hasn't stopped thinking about her in five years either. So, when Amy's ex-boyfriend comes to town to tell her he is engaged to her Uni best friend, who he also cheated on Amy with, and Phil steps in to act as her fake boyfriend, what could go wrong?
Was this predictable? Yes. Was it also realistic? Yes. I recommend this to fans of romance, especially "these two idiots are the only ones that don't realize they're in love with each other" romance, dungeons and dragons and Renaissance Faires.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.
July 28, 2025
This book was adorable. Amy and Phil were both so believable in their strengths and struggles, and their growing friendship-turned-relationship was sooo sweet to follow. Usually I really struggle with miscommunication but the miscommunication between these two early on was more a case of them both trying really hard to respect each others' boundaries and interpreting the signals they were given in a pretty reasonable way, which was refreshing to see. Their group of friends and family was heartwarming too - such unbreakable bonds with no unneccessary drama, my heart.
This book also contains one of the best portrayals of caretaker burnout I think I've ever read. I was blown away by how real it felt.
My only point of criticism would be that the D&D story could have been fitted in better - after the first couple of segments of Amy trying to fit in to the group and adjust her character, it didn't really feel like it had any impact on what was happening to the characters in the real world, and it could have been totally left out without having much of an impact on the story overall.
This book also contains one of the best portrayals of caretaker burnout I think I've ever read. I was blown away by how real it felt.
My only point of criticism would be that the D&D story could have been fitted in better - after the first couple of segments of Amy trying to fit in to the group and adjust her character, it didn't really feel like it had any impact on what was happening to the characters in the real world, and it could have been totally left out without having much of an impact on the story overall.
July 30, 2025
A cute rom com with heaps and heaps of nerdiness! This is a pretty basic fake dating, older brother's friend/friends to lovers story, with a couple cute, swoony moments.
What I liked:
-the D&D game sprinkled through the story
-the hobbies Phil had: sewing and cooking/baking?? absolutely obsessed
-Phils's caretaker role for his grandmother Ethel was heartbreaking but so real (and well done)
-faires and balls and fancy costumes are always a fun time
-the friend group was so fun and dynamic!
What I didn't love:
-Amy felt really juvenile; her relief at being cheated on, her stunted relationship with her parents? I just wanted a bit more from her. I did like the not feeling included thing - it was the most relatable part of her character
-Their reasons for fake dating felt flimsy. I might have preferred that it not even be part of the story (and as a mega fan of fake dating stories, that's saying a lot)
-Phil was pissing me off by the end
-I wasn't invested in their romance
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins/One More Chapter for the eARC.
What I liked:
-the D&D game sprinkled through the story
-the hobbies Phil had: sewing and cooking/baking?? absolutely obsessed
-Phils's caretaker role for his grandmother Ethel was heartbreaking but so real (and well done)
-faires and balls and fancy costumes are always a fun time
-the friend group was so fun and dynamic!
What I didn't love:
-Amy felt really juvenile; her relief at being cheated on, her stunted relationship with her parents? I just wanted a bit more from her. I did like the not feeling included thing - it was the most relatable part of her character
-Their reasons for fake dating felt flimsy. I might have preferred that it not even be part of the story (and as a mega fan of fake dating stories, that's saying a lot)
-Phil was pissing me off by the end
-I wasn't invested in their romance
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins/One More Chapter for the eARC.
August 4, 2025
— ARC Review :2 stars ✰
⋆˚࿔ this book was okay. i thought they were cute and i enjoyed certain parts especially the dnd elements in the book. however i felt like their 'fake dating' reason wasn’t very convincing so it was hard for me to stay fully invested in their love story. because of that it took me some time to finish the entire book.
Thank you to Sam Parks, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter & Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
⋆˚࿔ this book was okay. i thought they were cute and i enjoyed certain parts especially the dnd elements in the book. however i felt like their 'fake dating' reason wasn’t very convincing so it was hard for me to stay fully invested in their love story. because of that it took me some time to finish the entire book.
Thank you to Sam Parks, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter & Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 6, 2025
3.5🌟
A cute, yet predictable, story that really revolves around friendship. As someone who has seen family members deteriorate due to illness, this book did hit home a little with all the caring responsibilities. Despite the name, I didn't quite realise how much the book would be about LARPing and dungeons and dragons, the first chapter threw me off a little because I wasn't expecting it at all!
A cute, yet predictable, story that really revolves around friendship. As someone who has seen family members deteriorate due to illness, this book did hit home a little with all the caring responsibilities. Despite the name, I didn't quite realise how much the book would be about LARPing and dungeons and dragons, the first chapter threw me off a little because I wasn't expecting it at all!
did-not-finish
September 5, 2025DNF at 39%. This was actually fine, but I wanted to be done reading it more than I wanted to read it, so I’m letting go.
July 31, 2025
***Thank you to Harper Collins UK and One More Chapter for sending me an unsolicited e-arc through Netgalley of Date Knight by Sam Parks! All thoughts are my own!***
This is the second book in Sam Parks' Roll for Romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend all of them highly.
Following up from Sam's previous novel, You've Got Chain Mail, this book follows Phil, Jack's best friend, who is a full time caregiver to his grandmother with dementia. He's trying to balance being a caregiver, doing data entry jobs, being the costume designer for his friends, But when Amy Evans, Jack's sister, who is now in their D&D group, finds out that her ex boyfriend and best friend are engaged, Phil swoops in to be her hero and fake date for three months while she secures a job with her father's construction company.
One thing I really love about this book is that Phil and Amy are friends that have been pining for each other for years. They have been friends since they were kids because of Phil and Jack being best friends.
I related so much to Phil throughout the book. As a caregiver myself, it's very hard to remember that people are willing to help and that you aren't alone. Jack's family was so kind to Phil and his grandmother. And it really gave a great insight to what caregivers go through, between the doctors appointments to home modifications for accessibility.
I really loved that the characters went to fantasy festival as well as a fantasy ball. And Phil making everyone's costumes for the festival, like he did in the previous book for the Renaissance Faire. And the fact that he made a dress for Amy, despite everything he had going on with his grandmother, he is a green flag of a man.
I loved getting to see more of their D&D campaign, especially getting Phil's character's perspective. AND THE EPILOGUE!!! I'm so excited to see more of the campaign.
What to expect:
Cosplay
Brother’s best friend
Fake dating
Nerdy hotness
Real life knight in shining armour
Emotional depth
Spicy
Date Knight by Sam Parks is on sale now! Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and Netgalley for this arc!
This is the second book in Sam Parks' Roll for Romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend all of them highly.
Following up from Sam's previous novel, You've Got Chain Mail, this book follows Phil, Jack's best friend, who is a full time caregiver to his grandmother with dementia. He's trying to balance being a caregiver, doing data entry jobs, being the costume designer for his friends, But when Amy Evans, Jack's sister, who is now in their D&D group, finds out that her ex boyfriend and best friend are engaged, Phil swoops in to be her hero and fake date for three months while she secures a job with her father's construction company.
One thing I really love about this book is that Phil and Amy are friends that have been pining for each other for years. They have been friends since they were kids because of Phil and Jack being best friends.
I related so much to Phil throughout the book. As a caregiver myself, it's very hard to remember that people are willing to help and that you aren't alone. Jack's family was so kind to Phil and his grandmother. And it really gave a great insight to what caregivers go through, between the doctors appointments to home modifications for accessibility.
I really loved that the characters went to fantasy festival as well as a fantasy ball. And Phil making everyone's costumes for the festival, like he did in the previous book for the Renaissance Faire. And the fact that he made a dress for Amy, despite everything he had going on with his grandmother, he is a green flag of a man.
I loved getting to see more of their D&D campaign, especially getting Phil's character's perspective. AND THE EPILOGUE!!! I'm so excited to see more of the campaign.
What to expect:
Cosplay
Brother’s best friend
Fake dating
Nerdy hotness
Real life knight in shining armour
Emotional depth
Spicy
Date Knight by Sam Parks is on sale now! Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and Netgalley for this arc!
July 22, 2025
5 stars
The banter! The yearning! This wasn't just friends to lovers, this was friends to almost lovers to slight enemies to fake dating to lovers. The chemistry Amy and Phil had was obvious from the jump (probably from the first book tbh) and I was all in. I loved how they would bicker but it always felt like it was about to lead to hate sex. Then when they finally get together, it gets even better. But the third act breakup, we knew it was coming and we saw what Phil was going to do from a million miles away but it wrecked me nonetheless. The whole last 1/3 really had me in my feels! From the breakup to the burn out and all along the fear both for Amy afraid she would lose her friends again and Ethel's health digress further, I cried probably more than was healthy. I found the way Phil's story showed the complete and utter exhaustion being a sole caretaker can take on a person to be incredibly realistic and very hard. I loved that he and we got to see Ethel still have good days which ultimately lead to the reconciliation. Ugh this was just so good (and a huge cry). I really enjoyed the first book of this series but man did this one just blow me away.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!
The banter! The yearning! This wasn't just friends to lovers, this was friends to almost lovers to slight enemies to fake dating to lovers. The chemistry Amy and Phil had was obvious from the jump (probably from the first book tbh) and I was all in. I loved how they would bicker but it always felt like it was about to lead to hate sex. Then when they finally get together, it gets even better. But the third act breakup, we knew it was coming and we saw what Phil was going to do from a million miles away but it wrecked me nonetheless. The whole last 1/3 really had me in my feels! From the breakup to the burn out and all along the fear both for Amy afraid she would lose her friends again and Ethel's health digress further, I cried probably more than was healthy. I found the way Phil's story showed the complete and utter exhaustion being a sole caretaker can take on a person to be incredibly realistic and very hard. I loved that he and we got to see Ethel still have good days which ultimately lead to the reconciliation. Ugh this was just so good (and a huge cry). I really enjoyed the first book of this series but man did this one just blow me away.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!
July 3, 2025
Thank you to netgalley and One more Chapter for providing this arc for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, I’ve missed playing D&D so reading this has made me want to play it more. The links to the world of D&D is fun and I loved the intertwining chapters keeping it nerdy. Amy and Phil were cute, the yearning was amazing. Definitely will be reading more in this series in the future.
I really enjoyed this book, I’ve missed playing D&D so reading this has made me want to play it more. The links to the world of D&D is fun and I loved the intertwining chapters keeping it nerdy. Amy and Phil were cute, the yearning was amazing. Definitely will be reading more in this series in the future.
July 29, 2025
Date Knight is the second installment in Samantha Parks' Roll for Romance series. Each book follows a different member of a close-knit friend group united by their love of Dungeons & Dragons. While the books are best enjoyed in order, each one can stand alone.
What to Expect:
•Dual POV
•Brother’s Best Friend
•Age Gap (5 years)
•Friends to Lovers
•Fake Dating
If you read You've Got Chain Mail, you'll remember Phil, Jack's best friend, a talented cook, and cosplay wizard, and Amy, Jack's younger sister, who recently returned home after a rough breakup. Fast forward a year: Amy runs into her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend, who are now engaged and inviting her to their wedding. In a moment of panic, she convinces Phil to pose as her boyfriend. What starts as a fake relationship quickly spirals when their friends and family assume it’s real. They decide to keep up the charade until after the wedding—and until Amy hopefully lands a full-time job at her father’s company.
I loved how their relationship began with a foundation of friendship, albeit one filled with playful bickering and teasing. Their banter was a highlight, especially their text exchanges as they built the "Phamy" (Phil + Amy) backstory.
As their fake relationship starts to feel real, things get complicated. Phil is the sole caregiver for his grandmother, who has dementia, and the emotional weight of that responsibility is portrayed with care and authenticity. The author does an excellent job of showing the challenges of caregiving and the emotional toll it takes - not just on Phil, but on those who love him.
The friend group continues to shine in this book, always showing up for one another in meaningful ways. However, the D&D chapters, told from the perspective of Phil's D&D character, felt disconnected from the main plot. While creative, they didn't add much to the story and could have been trimmed to make room for underdeveloped plot threads that were introduced but never revisited.
Overall, a fun and cozy romance, but needed some more fine tuning. I will still probably continue the series, looks like Chloe is next and I am hopeful to see what the author has in store for her and who her romantic interest will be. Also, here is my plea for more page time for Grey! They're so intriguing and mysterious - I need to know more!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What to Expect:
•Dual POV
•Brother’s Best Friend
•Age Gap (5 years)
•Friends to Lovers
•Fake Dating
If you read You've Got Chain Mail, you'll remember Phil, Jack's best friend, a talented cook, and cosplay wizard, and Amy, Jack's younger sister, who recently returned home after a rough breakup. Fast forward a year: Amy runs into her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend, who are now engaged and inviting her to their wedding. In a moment of panic, she convinces Phil to pose as her boyfriend. What starts as a fake relationship quickly spirals when their friends and family assume it’s real. They decide to keep up the charade until after the wedding—and until Amy hopefully lands a full-time job at her father’s company.
I loved how their relationship began with a foundation of friendship, albeit one filled with playful bickering and teasing. Their banter was a highlight, especially their text exchanges as they built the "Phamy" (Phil + Amy) backstory.
As their fake relationship starts to feel real, things get complicated. Phil is the sole caregiver for his grandmother, who has dementia, and the emotional weight of that responsibility is portrayed with care and authenticity. The author does an excellent job of showing the challenges of caregiving and the emotional toll it takes - not just on Phil, but on those who love him.
The friend group continues to shine in this book, always showing up for one another in meaningful ways. However, the D&D chapters, told from the perspective of Phil's D&D character, felt disconnected from the main plot. While creative, they didn't add much to the story and could have been trimmed to make room for underdeveloped plot threads that were introduced but never revisited.
Overall, a fun and cozy romance, but needed some more fine tuning. I will still probably continue the series, looks like Chloe is next and I am hopeful to see what the author has in store for her and who her romantic interest will be. Also, here is my plea for more page time for Grey! They're so intriguing and mysterious - I need to know more!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2025
Date Knight by Sam Parks is a heartfelt and nerdy rom-com that blends cosy small-town charm with the immersive world of tabletop role-playing games. Though it's the second in the Roll for Romance series, it can be read and enjoyed on its own - offering readers a delightful mix of sweet romance, emotional depth, and geeky fun.
The story centers around Phil, a gamer and costume designer quietly shouldering the emotional weight of caring for his grandmother who has dementia.
His social circle revolves around a long-running Dungeons & Dragons campaign - one that now includes Amy, his best friend's younger sister and newly heartbroken returnee to their hometown.
When Amy's past comes knocking, the two are thrown into a fake dating scenario that, unsurprisingly but charmingly, starts to feel a little too real for both of them.
The chapters alternate between Phil and Amy's perspectives, but Sam Parks spices things up by including in-world D&D campaign segments from Phil's character’s point of view.
These serve both as metaphorical parallels to the characters' real-life emotional arcs and as a nod to the community that unites them.
While some readers may find these chapters initially disorienting especially as the book opens with one of them, they become a unique, rewarding feature once you get your bearings.
Readers of book one (You've Got Chain Mail) might have an easier time connecting the dots here, but newcomers won't feel lost.
The romance itself is warm and incredibly rootable.
Phil and Amy’s relationship builds on a foundation of childhood familiarity, shared grief, and mutual support.
Their fake-dating journey is filled with the kind of tender awkwardness and slow-burn tension that fans of the trope will love.
There's a touch of spice (3/5 on the heat scale), but it’s balanced well against the story's emotional beats and doesn’t overshadow the heart of the narrative.
What elevates Date Knight beyond your typical rom-com is its thoughtful exploration of caregiving and dementia.
Phil’s relationship with his grandmother is deeply moving and respectfully portrayed.
It adds a layer of gravity to the story that feels earned and never overly sentimental. Amy’s arc - proving her value to her family and rediscovering her place in a familiar yet changed hometown also adds dimension beyond just the romance.
The small-town setting and tight-knit friend group create a cosy backdrop, and readers who enjoy stories of community, geek culture, and second chances will find a lot to love here.
Even if you're not into D&D (I'm not), Date Knight remains accessible, emotionally engaging, and genuinely fun.
With thanks to Net Galley One More chapter (Harper Collins) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story centers around Phil, a gamer and costume designer quietly shouldering the emotional weight of caring for his grandmother who has dementia.
His social circle revolves around a long-running Dungeons & Dragons campaign - one that now includes Amy, his best friend's younger sister and newly heartbroken returnee to their hometown.
When Amy's past comes knocking, the two are thrown into a fake dating scenario that, unsurprisingly but charmingly, starts to feel a little too real for both of them.
The chapters alternate between Phil and Amy's perspectives, but Sam Parks spices things up by including in-world D&D campaign segments from Phil's character’s point of view.
These serve both as metaphorical parallels to the characters' real-life emotional arcs and as a nod to the community that unites them.
While some readers may find these chapters initially disorienting especially as the book opens with one of them, they become a unique, rewarding feature once you get your bearings.
Readers of book one (You've Got Chain Mail) might have an easier time connecting the dots here, but newcomers won't feel lost.
The romance itself is warm and incredibly rootable.
Phil and Amy’s relationship builds on a foundation of childhood familiarity, shared grief, and mutual support.
Their fake-dating journey is filled with the kind of tender awkwardness and slow-burn tension that fans of the trope will love.
There's a touch of spice (3/5 on the heat scale), but it’s balanced well against the story's emotional beats and doesn’t overshadow the heart of the narrative.
What elevates Date Knight beyond your typical rom-com is its thoughtful exploration of caregiving and dementia.
Phil’s relationship with his grandmother is deeply moving and respectfully portrayed.
It adds a layer of gravity to the story that feels earned and never overly sentimental. Amy’s arc - proving her value to her family and rediscovering her place in a familiar yet changed hometown also adds dimension beyond just the romance.
The small-town setting and tight-knit friend group create a cosy backdrop, and readers who enjoy stories of community, geek culture, and second chances will find a lot to love here.
Even if you're not into D&D (I'm not), Date Knight remains accessible, emotionally engaging, and genuinely fun.
With thanks to Net Galley One More chapter (Harper Collins) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2025
This teetered between 3 and 4 stars for me, and I'm going to go with 4 because what I liked, I really liked! There is a lot of depth to this book that I wasn't necessarily expecting, and some pretty difficult topics, but overall I really enjoyed the story and these characters.
What I liked: I liked the characters individually a lot. I think that their motivations behind their actions made a lot of sense, especially Phil. I have not been a caregiver before, but have a lot of experience with those who have been caregivers, and this book I think perfectly encapsulated what it is like to try and care for someone you love on your own, while trying to have any semblance of normalcy. That guilt that comes when anything happens and you're not there is very real, and very debilitating. I felt for Phil majorly on this. And I totally understood why Amy felt the way she did about her brother's friends - as a little sister, your biggest fear is feeling like you're just being brought along by default, and that hurts. It definitely gives anyone a complex, and makes you a little wary. I really thought that these two, and their journeys, were well-written. I also loved the sections of the book that included what was going on in the D&D campaign - that was very fun and I also felt like tied into the story really well.
What I didn't love: the pacing was odd. I think just because of the nature of their relationship, we went on a bit more of a rollercoaster than I'm used to in these kinds of books. I also think that while this book was great at individual character writing, it almost felt like Phil and Amy didn't even really like each other sometimes. Banter is one thing, but they were downright antagonistic to each other sometimes. And maybe that's reality, but it felt like a bit too much at certain points of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed it, and I will definitely pick up another book by this author and in this series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC!
What I liked: I liked the characters individually a lot. I think that their motivations behind their actions made a lot of sense, especially Phil. I have not been a caregiver before, but have a lot of experience with those who have been caregivers, and this book I think perfectly encapsulated what it is like to try and care for someone you love on your own, while trying to have any semblance of normalcy. That guilt that comes when anything happens and you're not there is very real, and very debilitating. I felt for Phil majorly on this. And I totally understood why Amy felt the way she did about her brother's friends - as a little sister, your biggest fear is feeling like you're just being brought along by default, and that hurts. It definitely gives anyone a complex, and makes you a little wary. I really thought that these two, and their journeys, were well-written. I also loved the sections of the book that included what was going on in the D&D campaign - that was very fun and I also felt like tied into the story really well.
What I didn't love: the pacing was odd. I think just because of the nature of their relationship, we went on a bit more of a rollercoaster than I'm used to in these kinds of books. I also think that while this book was great at individual character writing, it almost felt like Phil and Amy didn't even really like each other sometimes. Banter is one thing, but they were downright antagonistic to each other sometimes. And maybe that's reality, but it felt like a bit too much at certain points of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed it, and I will definitely pick up another book by this author and in this series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC!
August 2, 2025
Date Knight is a light, easy-to-read romance with a fun premise: fake dating, D&D interludes, and a small-town setting. Told in dual first-person POV (switching between Phil and Amy) with occasional third-person snippets from their D&D game, the book has a playful structure that keeps things moving.
Phil is a caring and layered hero, devoted to his grandmother, who is dealing with dementia. His struggles with her declining health and his future feel genuine and add emotional weight to the story. Amy, freshly heartbroken after her boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend, is a relatable but sometimes frustrating protagonist—especially when she insists on attending her ex’s wedding (a choice that strained believability for me).
While the fake-dating trope is enjoyable, I didn’t fully feel the chemistry between Phil and Amy. Their connection often took a backseat to external conflicts and miscommunications, and I found myself wishing for more moments that showcased their bond—whether through caring for Phil’s grandmother, collaborating in their D&D game, or simply having deeper conversations.
One aspect that gave me pause was the portrayal of Amy’s ex-best friend and Jack’s ex-girlfriend, both of whom came across as one-dimensionally “crazy.” A bit more nuance there would have helped. On the plus side, I appreciated that the story avoided the tired trope of vilifying city life—a small but refreshing choice in a small-town romance.
Overall, Date Knight was a fine read—entertaining but not particularly memorable. If you’re looking for a low-stakes romance with some sweet moments (especially between Phil and his grandmother) and a playful D&D twist, it might be worth picking up. 3/5 stars– decent, but I wanted more depth from the central relationship.
Phil is a caring and layered hero, devoted to his grandmother, who is dealing with dementia. His struggles with her declining health and his future feel genuine and add emotional weight to the story. Amy, freshly heartbroken after her boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend, is a relatable but sometimes frustrating protagonist—especially when she insists on attending her ex’s wedding (a choice that strained believability for me).
While the fake-dating trope is enjoyable, I didn’t fully feel the chemistry between Phil and Amy. Their connection often took a backseat to external conflicts and miscommunications, and I found myself wishing for more moments that showcased their bond—whether through caring for Phil’s grandmother, collaborating in their D&D game, or simply having deeper conversations.
One aspect that gave me pause was the portrayal of Amy’s ex-best friend and Jack’s ex-girlfriend, both of whom came across as one-dimensionally “crazy.” A bit more nuance there would have helped. On the plus side, I appreciated that the story avoided the tired trope of vilifying city life—a small but refreshing choice in a small-town romance.
Overall, Date Knight was a fine read—entertaining but not particularly memorable. If you’re looking for a low-stakes romance with some sweet moments (especially between Phil and his grandmother) and a playful D&D twist, it might be worth picking up. 3/5 stars– decent, but I wanted more depth from the central relationship.
July 29, 2025
🔮Your Reading Horoscope Says: Prepare for emotional rolls coasters and chaotic good vibes.
You ever read a book and immediately want to roll for perception to see if your soulmate is hiding in plain sight? Date Knight by @samparksbooks is that kind of book.
Phil Owen is the kind of love interest we need more of: awkward, loyal, and emotionally responsible (swoon). He’s a D&D dungeon master with a soft heart, killer instincts in battle and caregiving—because his spitfire grandma Ethel (hey girl hey 💅)is the real MVP and will 100% steal your heart (and possibly your wallet). 😉
Enter Amy Evans: recently heartbroken, newly nerd-converted, and ready to totally not fall for Phil. Except... fake dating, shared D&D campaigns, rom-com banter, and the dreaded “one bed” scenario make resisting impossible. Also, they have a couple name - Phamy - and send each other “Phamy lore drops” via text to keep their fake relationship straight. (Which is definitely not the cutest thing ever. Except it absolutely is.)
The writing is sharp, the romance is deliciously slow-burn, and the humor feels like it was pulled straight from a group chat with your funniest friends. If you’ve ever loved a rom-com, rolled initiative for love, or fake-dated someone in your head on the bus… this book is for you.
Final Verdict:
5/5 enchanted dice rolls 🎲
Recommended for:
* Rom-com nerds
* Fans of the “one bed” trope
* Sagittarius moons and hopeless romantics
Read it, text your BFF your own couple name, and beware: side quests may lead to true love. 💘✨
You ever read a book and immediately want to roll for perception to see if your soulmate is hiding in plain sight? Date Knight by @samparksbooks is that kind of book.
Phil Owen is the kind of love interest we need more of: awkward, loyal, and emotionally responsible (swoon). He’s a D&D dungeon master with a soft heart, killer instincts in battle and caregiving—because his spitfire grandma Ethel (hey girl hey 💅)is the real MVP and will 100% steal your heart (and possibly your wallet). 😉
Enter Amy Evans: recently heartbroken, newly nerd-converted, and ready to totally not fall for Phil. Except... fake dating, shared D&D campaigns, rom-com banter, and the dreaded “one bed” scenario make resisting impossible. Also, they have a couple name - Phamy - and send each other “Phamy lore drops” via text to keep their fake relationship straight. (Which is definitely not the cutest thing ever. Except it absolutely is.)
The writing is sharp, the romance is deliciously slow-burn, and the humor feels like it was pulled straight from a group chat with your funniest friends. If you’ve ever loved a rom-com, rolled initiative for love, or fake-dated someone in your head on the bus… this book is for you.
Final Verdict:
5/5 enchanted dice rolls 🎲
Recommended for:
* Rom-com nerds
* Fans of the “one bed” trope
* Sagittarius moons and hopeless romantics
Read it, text your BFF your own couple name, and beware: side quests may lead to true love. 💘✨
August 14, 2025
3.5 stars
i was excited to read this follow up to You’ve Got Chain Mail, as I really liked Amy’s character and wanted to see her story. Amy and Phil are so likeable and I was pulling for them to get together. I hate when the obstacle in relationships is a lack of communication and it kind of irked me here, but also made sense that self-sacrificing Phil would continue to do that instead of just talking to Amy. I also thought Amy was portrayed as more dynamic in the first book and the readers are told that more in this book. I think that makes this book not a great standalone because if you don’t know the dynamics from book one, you would have a more hallow read of this.
What I liked:
Phil’s devotion to his grandma
How grief, both from death, and ambiguous loss from dementia were portrayed
Amy’s determination
The growth in the sibling relationship
Amy’s big heart and kindness
Phil was masculine and a fashion designer- I’m here for hot evolved men!
Diversity in characters
What I didn’t like:
The D and D wasn’t a strong or as tied into the plot this time. Maybe I felt this way because I just read Roll for Romance by Lenora Woods, and she has an awesome D and D story.
Some of the friend characters were flimsy, I kept forgetting about Grey, because they were more prominent in the first book I read year ago.
Definitely a fun read 3.5 stars. I’m guessing Chloe’s book is next? Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
i was excited to read this follow up to You’ve Got Chain Mail, as I really liked Amy’s character and wanted to see her story. Amy and Phil are so likeable and I was pulling for them to get together. I hate when the obstacle in relationships is a lack of communication and it kind of irked me here, but also made sense that self-sacrificing Phil would continue to do that instead of just talking to Amy. I also thought Amy was portrayed as more dynamic in the first book and the readers are told that more in this book. I think that makes this book not a great standalone because if you don’t know the dynamics from book one, you would have a more hallow read of this.
What I liked:
Phil’s devotion to his grandma
How grief, both from death, and ambiguous loss from dementia were portrayed
Amy’s determination
The growth in the sibling relationship
Amy’s big heart and kindness
Phil was masculine and a fashion designer- I’m here for hot evolved men!
Diversity in characters
What I didn’t like:
The D and D wasn’t a strong or as tied into the plot this time. Maybe I felt this way because I just read Roll for Romance by Lenora Woods, and she has an awesome D and D story.
Some of the friend characters were flimsy, I kept forgetting about Grey, because they were more prominent in the first book I read year ago.
Definitely a fun read 3.5 stars. I’m guessing Chloe’s book is next? Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2025
This is Book 2 of the Roll for Romances Series!
This Book follows the story of Phil and Amy. Phil is Amy's brother's best friend so of course, things are going to get interesting when Amy returns home after a bad break up!
After bumping into a blast from Amy's past, Phil and Amy agree to fake date for 3 months - what cpuld possibly go wrong?
This book is incredibly unique in that there is the main story, set with the POV of Phil and Amy but then there is the D&D Role Playing story which also pops up so you can follow the character's characters!
I loved Amy. She is unlucky in love but just lovely, and I think most can sympathise with her plight.
Phil took a little longer for me to warm up to. He has a multitude of things going on in real life but the way he initially speaks and acts towards his friends during the more stressful parts of the story, did make my eyebrow raise. It did raise a very real situation for many though, given the stress of trying to sort his homelife all on his own.
I did eventually warm up to Phil, especially when he realised he needed help and accepted it.
The story is a cute, spicy romance story but with elements of more serious themes such as stress, ill health and degenerative illnesses. These themes slower get stronger in the story as you get deeper into the story and that was great to see as this specific combination for Phil's situation aren't really discussed much on books so the awareness was brilliant to see!
I really enjoyed this book and it is definitely my favourite in the series so far!
This Book follows the story of Phil and Amy. Phil is Amy's brother's best friend so of course, things are going to get interesting when Amy returns home after a bad break up!
After bumping into a blast from Amy's past, Phil and Amy agree to fake date for 3 months - what cpuld possibly go wrong?
This book is incredibly unique in that there is the main story, set with the POV of Phil and Amy but then there is the D&D Role Playing story which also pops up so you can follow the character's characters!
I loved Amy. She is unlucky in love but just lovely, and I think most can sympathise with her plight.
Phil took a little longer for me to warm up to. He has a multitude of things going on in real life but the way he initially speaks and acts towards his friends during the more stressful parts of the story, did make my eyebrow raise. It did raise a very real situation for many though, given the stress of trying to sort his homelife all on his own.
I did eventually warm up to Phil, especially when he realised he needed help and accepted it.
The story is a cute, spicy romance story but with elements of more serious themes such as stress, ill health and degenerative illnesses. These themes slower get stronger in the story as you get deeper into the story and that was great to see as this specific combination for Phil's situation aren't really discussed much on books so the awareness was brilliant to see!
I really enjoyed this book and it is definitely my favourite in the series so far!
August 1, 2025
This really didn't hit for me.
I think that maybe it had too much going on and because of that, it fell quite flat.
This has fake dating, older brother's friend, and friends to lovers. I don't think you need to emphasize that many parts of the story. It just felt jumbled.
There were definitely some cute moments and I did appreciate the D & D aspect of this story. And I did like the friend group, they had a fun dynamic.
I also cannot get behind the male love interest in a romance novel being named Phil. I just kept getting jump-scared by my own brain picturing Phil Dunphy from Modern Family (don't get me wrong, I love Phil from Modern Family, but that is not the vibe for this book).
I also didn't really love the FMC. She felt rather childish and strange at times. Her reactions to certain situations made her feel so weird and childish and inappropriate. Made me cringe (and not in a cringe is freeing way, but in a second-hand embarrassment kind of way).
I just couldn't get invested in this story because I just couldn't get behind the characters or their motivations. I'm sure some people won't mind those things I mentioned, but this just wasn't for me. And I do wish it was, the premise sounds so fun.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I think that maybe it had too much going on and because of that, it fell quite flat.
This has fake dating, older brother's friend, and friends to lovers. I don't think you need to emphasize that many parts of the story. It just felt jumbled.
There were definitely some cute moments and I did appreciate the D & D aspect of this story. And I did like the friend group, they had a fun dynamic.
I also cannot get behind the male love interest in a romance novel being named Phil. I just kept getting jump-scared by my own brain picturing Phil Dunphy from Modern Family (don't get me wrong, I love Phil from Modern Family, but that is not the vibe for this book).
I also didn't really love the FMC. She felt rather childish and strange at times. Her reactions to certain situations made her feel so weird and childish and inappropriate. Made me cringe (and not in a cringe is freeing way, but in a second-hand embarrassment kind of way).
I just couldn't get invested in this story because I just couldn't get behind the characters or their motivations. I'm sure some people won't mind those things I mentioned, but this just wasn't for me. And I do wish it was, the premise sounds so fun.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
August 23, 2025
In the second (standalone) book in the Roll for Romance series, readers follow Phil Own and Amy Evans as they reconnect back in their home town. Broken-hearted and invited to their D&D game, Amy has to struggle with keeping her childhood crush on Phil, her brother’s best friend, under wraps as they continue to spend more and more time together. Phil, on the other hand, is dealing with a lot, but he is in the right place to play the hero and help Amy when an unwelcome character turns up in town. Fake dating and spending more time together, the feelings on both sides might make things more complicated unless one of them admits the truth. Packed with details and alternating perspectives between Phil and Amy, readers will love the tropes and great chemistry in this emotional and entertaining new romance novel. The characters are the absolute stars of the book, and the different challenges really add opportunities for great character development. The emotional storyline is absolutely fantastic and well-written, while the larger storyline really pulls readers in with the incredible details and great character interactions and relationships. Brilliantly written, heartwarming, and charming, readers will love this fun and spicy romance novel from Sam Parks.
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for the advance copy.
July 27, 2025
Very cute and wholesome romance story. Friends who’ve been pining for each other for ever and get into a fake relationship that oh surprise will turn out to be real feelings - always works for me. I loved that Amy and Phil were both these calm and quiet characters, that gave a very comforting and sweet vibe to their story. Phil was definitely my favorite characters of the two, and the way he is caring for his grandmother and her dementia is very well done, it tugged at my heartstrings all along in the book. Amy was a bit too into tarot reading, crystals and astrology for me. That said I did really like them together, there was clear chemistry and the slow burn while they each completely fall for each other but don’t dare to make the first move was really good. I loved that we had plenty of time of them actually together and no longer faking it, seeing them trying to manage their relationship vs everything else going on in their lives.
Side note - I love a nerdy MC, but know nothing about D&D, so there were definitely some bits that went completely above my head, but fortunately not too much so that didn’t prevent me from enjoying the story.
*I received an ARC of this book, this is my honest opinion*
Side note - I love a nerdy MC, but know nothing about D&D, so there were definitely some bits that went completely above my head, but fortunately not too much so that didn’t prevent me from enjoying the story.
*I received an ARC of this book, this is my honest opinion*
July 29, 2025
🩷 Blurb -
A side quest he never saw coming…Phil Owen has it all figured out – or rather his character in his weekly role-playing game does. In real life? Not so much.
When his best friend’s sister Amy Evans returned home broken hearted six months ago, inviting her to join the game seemed like the kind thing to do. But now, all it’s done is given her another way to drive him crazy, in more ways than one.
Yet when an unwelcome character from Amy’s past turns up in her present, Phil gets to play the hero in real life. His quest? Three months as Amy’s fake boyfriend, and a chance to turn fantasy into reality…
💖 Review-
This was such a cute read. I loved that the story was based on the nerdy game Dungeon's And Dragon's and the chapters go back and forth between Phil and Amy and also adding in chapters for characters in the game. I also loved the small town place setting and there was a great cast of characters. I loved Phil and Amy's characters and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, One More Chapter and the author, Sam Parks for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
A side quest he never saw coming…Phil Owen has it all figured out – or rather his character in his weekly role-playing game does. In real life? Not so much.
When his best friend’s sister Amy Evans returned home broken hearted six months ago, inviting her to join the game seemed like the kind thing to do. But now, all it’s done is given her another way to drive him crazy, in more ways than one.
Yet when an unwelcome character from Amy’s past turns up in her present, Phil gets to play the hero in real life. His quest? Three months as Amy’s fake boyfriend, and a chance to turn fantasy into reality…
💖 Review-
This was such a cute read. I loved that the story was based on the nerdy game Dungeon's And Dragon's and the chapters go back and forth between Phil and Amy and also adding in chapters for characters in the game. I also loved the small town place setting and there was a great cast of characters. I loved Phil and Amy's characters and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, One More Chapter and the author, Sam Parks for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75-4/5 🌶️ 1/5
Tropes:
🗡️ Brothers best friend
🗡️ Fake dating
🗡️ Age gap (5 years)
Did this book feel like a D&D campaign come to life? Absolutely 100% and I loved every moment. Amy and Phil had such great chemistry and banter which had me rooting for them from the very beginning right up to the end.
Phil is Amy’s knight in shining armour, and you could really tell despite his reservations about their fake dating situation, he would do anything to help her (even sewing her a beautiful ball gown). I enjoyed the banter between Amy and Phil and loved how they balanced each other out in the way that both were more inclined to help others than ask for help and they pushed each other to reevaluate their lives and the issues they currently faced.
Also side note, I really loved that Phil was the tailor of the group and we got to follow the progress of his creations (as well as the inclusion of the trip to the ren faire).
As a former D&D player, I really loved that their campaign was included as separate chapters, it complimented the overall story wonderfully. This book is the perfect mix of romance and nerdy, I really enjoyed it and hope we get more books in this world.
A big thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK & One More Chapter for the ARC.
Tropes:
🗡️ Brothers best friend
🗡️ Fake dating
🗡️ Age gap (5 years)
Did this book feel like a D&D campaign come to life? Absolutely 100% and I loved every moment. Amy and Phil had such great chemistry and banter which had me rooting for them from the very beginning right up to the end.
Phil is Amy’s knight in shining armour, and you could really tell despite his reservations about their fake dating situation, he would do anything to help her (even sewing her a beautiful ball gown). I enjoyed the banter between Amy and Phil and loved how they balanced each other out in the way that both were more inclined to help others than ask for help and they pushed each other to reevaluate their lives and the issues they currently faced.
Also side note, I really loved that Phil was the tailor of the group and we got to follow the progress of his creations (as well as the inclusion of the trip to the ren faire).
As a former D&D player, I really loved that their campaign was included as separate chapters, it complimented the overall story wonderfully. This book is the perfect mix of romance and nerdy, I really enjoyed it and hope we get more books in this world.
A big thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK & One More Chapter for the ARC.
August 6, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Fake dating
* Longtime crush
* Brother’s best friend
* Age gap
* Spicy and emotional
Thank you to NetGalley, Sam Parks, and One More Chapter for this eARC! I really enjoyed this!
This book had a lot of layers to it, which kept me interested from the start. Amy and Phil have a long history, and while there is animosity, there has always been something between them. That really sets up all of the tension and propels their story forward as they both have things they need to heal from. But it’s clear that Phil has always felt a pull to her, too, and I love that when he’s given the chance, he finally goes for it with her!
While this book is a slow burn, their chemistry and emotional connection are both strong! They are playful, considerate, and supportive of one another. I also really liked their bonds with their friends and family, especially Ethel. Their worry and fears for her make things difficult, and I understand why things took a turn towards the end. Dealing with dementia is a heartbreaking experience, and Phil carried so much on his shoulders.
In the end, I loved they could both help each other past their obstacles towards a real relationship that was really meant to be ❤️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Fake dating
* Longtime crush
* Brother’s best friend
* Age gap
* Spicy and emotional
Thank you to NetGalley, Sam Parks, and One More Chapter for this eARC! I really enjoyed this!
This book had a lot of layers to it, which kept me interested from the start. Amy and Phil have a long history, and while there is animosity, there has always been something between them. That really sets up all of the tension and propels their story forward as they both have things they need to heal from. But it’s clear that Phil has always felt a pull to her, too, and I love that when he’s given the chance, he finally goes for it with her!
While this book is a slow burn, their chemistry and emotional connection are both strong! They are playful, considerate, and supportive of one another. I also really liked their bonds with their friends and family, especially Ethel. Their worry and fears for her make things difficult, and I understand why things took a turn towards the end. Dealing with dementia is a heartbreaking experience, and Phil carried so much on his shoulders.
In the end, I loved they could both help each other past their obstacles towards a real relationship that was really meant to be ❤️
August 15, 2025
I have a lot of thoughts about this book, and I’m apologizing now a lot of them are not positive.
Let’s talk about our characters first. Neither Phil or Amy are likeable in this book. Which is wild to me because as side characters in the first book I enjoyed them. But as leads it’s like they lost all personality. Plus the two of them together is supposed to be the fake dating trope. Instead their relationship felt like a good of freeze tag. Where it would start and stop repeatedly in this never ending cycle.
Besides that we then have our next blaring issue the immaturity and miscommunication. Both of our leads are supposed to be in their 30’s yet they put themselves in situations where no 30 year old in their right mind would put themselves in. Like come on be real, what 30 year old would go to her douche ex wedding. When said douche has done nothing but bully her. That’s right NO ONE. And again before you come for me I’m 34, I think I may know what that age range is thinking.
Overall, I can’t win with this book, I had such high expectations because I actually did enjoy the first book. But its sequel was sadly a let down. I appreciate the publishers allowing me to read it but sadly this wasn’t for me and I’ll sadly have to skip the next one
Let’s talk about our characters first. Neither Phil or Amy are likeable in this book. Which is wild to me because as side characters in the first book I enjoyed them. But as leads it’s like they lost all personality. Plus the two of them together is supposed to be the fake dating trope. Instead their relationship felt like a good of freeze tag. Where it would start and stop repeatedly in this never ending cycle.
Besides that we then have our next blaring issue the immaturity and miscommunication. Both of our leads are supposed to be in their 30’s yet they put themselves in situations where no 30 year old in their right mind would put themselves in. Like come on be real, what 30 year old would go to her douche ex wedding. When said douche has done nothing but bully her. That’s right NO ONE. And again before you come for me I’m 34, I think I may know what that age range is thinking.
Overall, I can’t win with this book, I had such high expectations because I actually did enjoy the first book. But its sequel was sadly a let down. I appreciate the publishers allowing me to read it but sadly this wasn’t for me and I’ll sadly have to skip the next one
August 25, 2025
I was SO excited to be sent this book after receiving an arc for Roll for Romance earlier this year! That book had my little D&D nerdy heart soaring!
Phil, our MMC, and his experience with being a care-taker for his grandmother really hit home with my own personal life currently, though my experience is no where near the extreme his was. But all that to say, I connected to his character very very quickly.
The romance was pretty much immediate, and so was the fighting. I am a big tarot girl but Amy NEEDED to stop asking the cards and just see a therapist… like girl be so for real. Her character felt much younger than she actually was, and I found myself constantly reminding myself that she wasn’t 19.
Just like Roll for Romance, I loved the in-between chapters of campaign play!
Anyway, common with all of my other reviews, I LOVE A MAN WHO YEARNS!!!! Have we learned this about me yet? No? Ok I’ll continue to yell it where necessary. The banter was great, the constant need for “hate sex” was fun, but still, AMY GO TO THERAPY.
Thank you Netgalley, and the publisher, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
Phil, our MMC, and his experience with being a care-taker for his grandmother really hit home with my own personal life currently, though my experience is no where near the extreme his was. But all that to say, I connected to his character very very quickly.
The romance was pretty much immediate, and so was the fighting. I am a big tarot girl but Amy NEEDED to stop asking the cards and just see a therapist… like girl be so for real. Her character felt much younger than she actually was, and I found myself constantly reminding myself that she wasn’t 19.
Just like Roll for Romance, I loved the in-between chapters of campaign play!
Anyway, common with all of my other reviews, I LOVE A MAN WHO YEARNS!!!! Have we learned this about me yet? No? Ok I’ll continue to yell it where necessary. The banter was great, the constant need for “hate sex” was fun, but still, AMY GO TO THERAPY.
Thank you Netgalley, and the publisher, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
July 11, 2025
ARC review
"Date Knight" by Sam Parks is part of the Roll for Romance series but it can be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.
What you can expect:
- best friend's sister
- friends to lovers
- fake dating
- dementia representation
- gaming (dungens and dragons)
This is a sweet (and a bit steamy) romance book with an emotional side.
Phill takes care of his grandmother that has dementia.
Amy came back to her hometown and tries to convince her father that she can be an asset to the family business.
They were childhood friends and are part of the same friend group that also play D&D together.
I liked that the fake dating part helped them become friends again and realize that they have feelings for each other.
D&D was not a big part of the story, but I liked that there are some chapters from Phil’s D&D character's POV.
Still, I did not get invested in that story.
Even if there are emotional moments, the overall vibe of the book is positive and I had a good time reading it.
"Date Knight" by Sam Parks is part of the Roll for Romance series but it can be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.
What you can expect:
- best friend's sister
- friends to lovers
- fake dating
- dementia representation
- gaming (dungens and dragons)
This is a sweet (and a bit steamy) romance book with an emotional side.
Phill takes care of his grandmother that has dementia.
Amy came back to her hometown and tries to convince her father that she can be an asset to the family business.
They were childhood friends and are part of the same friend group that also play D&D together.
I liked that the fake dating part helped them become friends again and realize that they have feelings for each other.
D&D was not a big part of the story, but I liked that there are some chapters from Phil’s D&D character's POV.
Still, I did not get invested in that story.
Even if there are emotional moments, the overall vibe of the book is positive and I had a good time reading it.
July 25, 2025
3.5⭐
Phil tiene suficientes responsabilidades: cuidar de su abuela con demencia, trabajar desde casa para que nada le falte, mantener a su grupo de amigos unido y, por si fuera poco, ser el Dungeon Master perfecto en sus sesiones de Dungeons & Dragons. Lo último que necesita es a Amy, la hermana menor de su mejor amigo y su eterna fuente de caos, uniéndose a la partida.
Amy regresó a su pueblo natal tras una humillante ruptura y ahora intenta redescubrir quién es, aunque eso implique meterse en el mundo de los dados, hechizos y guerreros mágicos. Pero cuando los roces dentro del juego empiezan a parecerse demasiado a los de la vida real, y las tensiones no resueltas entre Amy y Phil se intensifican, ambos se ven forzados a enfrentarse a lo que sienten… mientras fingen que siguen siendo solo amigos.
---
Hay mucha falta de comunicación a lo largo del libro y llega a desesperar que prefieran no hablar y actuar, incluso sabiendo que eso podría lastimar al otro. Aunque no lo hacen con esa intención, sus decisiones terminan afectándose mutuamente y dan ganas de sacudirlos.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest
Phil tiene suficientes responsabilidades: cuidar de su abuela con demencia, trabajar desde casa para que nada le falte, mantener a su grupo de amigos unido y, por si fuera poco, ser el Dungeon Master perfecto en sus sesiones de Dungeons & Dragons. Lo último que necesita es a Amy, la hermana menor de su mejor amigo y su eterna fuente de caos, uniéndose a la partida.
Amy regresó a su pueblo natal tras una humillante ruptura y ahora intenta redescubrir quién es, aunque eso implique meterse en el mundo de los dados, hechizos y guerreros mágicos. Pero cuando los roces dentro del juego empiezan a parecerse demasiado a los de la vida real, y las tensiones no resueltas entre Amy y Phil se intensifican, ambos se ven forzados a enfrentarse a lo que sienten… mientras fingen que siguen siendo solo amigos.
---
Hay mucha falta de comunicación a lo largo del libro y llega a desesperar que prefieran no hablar y actuar, incluso sabiendo que eso podría lastimar al otro. Aunque no lo hacen con esa intención, sus decisiones terminan afectándose mutuamente y dan ganas de sacudirlos.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest
July 31, 2025
I fell in love with this cover and needed to read this immediately.
I really loved this! It’s so cute & reading this brightened my day. It’s the right amount of fluffy romcom & heartfelt. The writing style flows easily which made this a quick read.
Amy & Phil were adorable & simply too cute! I loved that they had a crush on each other throughout the years & the fake dating situation just brought them together.
Phil was a stand up guy & a cinnamon roll. Amy is super relatable, especially if you’ve ever been told you’re too much or too sensitive. I could relate to her a lot. These two had so many swoony moments, my heart just melted.
I also enjoyed Phil’s D&D character having their own chapters. That was a fun & unique addition. I also thought his storyline as a caregiver to his ailing grandmother was very well done.
The setting is great & I loved the group of friends. Plus there’s a fantasy festival and cosplays.
Would recommend if you like fake dating, friends to lovers, brother’s best friend, & small town romances. Can be read as a standalone.
Rating: 3.5/5
Releases: 07/31/25
I really loved this! It’s so cute & reading this brightened my day. It’s the right amount of fluffy romcom & heartfelt. The writing style flows easily which made this a quick read.
Amy & Phil were adorable & simply too cute! I loved that they had a crush on each other throughout the years & the fake dating situation just brought them together.
Phil was a stand up guy & a cinnamon roll. Amy is super relatable, especially if you’ve ever been told you’re too much or too sensitive. I could relate to her a lot. These two had so many swoony moments, my heart just melted.
I also enjoyed Phil’s D&D character having their own chapters. That was a fun & unique addition. I also thought his storyline as a caregiver to his ailing grandmother was very well done.
The setting is great & I loved the group of friends. Plus there’s a fantasy festival and cosplays.
Would recommend if you like fake dating, friends to lovers, brother’s best friend, & small town romances. Can be read as a standalone.
Rating: 3.5/5
Releases: 07/31/25
August 19, 2025
I requested this one not realising this was book 2, HOWEVER, I quickly realised you don’t need to have read book 1 first (I love a series of interconnected standalones!)
Packed with banter, chemistry, butterfly-inducing moments and a cast of interesting characters, for a lighthearted romance, this book still manages to delve into some deeper, emotional themes.
We have full-time carer rep as our MMC is wholly responsible for his Nan, Ethel, who is struggling with dementia. We get a look into how this can take its toll on the individual as well as those around them and I thought this was very well done.
I’m usually a hard pass on the miscommunication trope but it crops up in a very authentic way and builds tension throughout - I ate it up!
I also adored an unexpected POV chapter (I don’t want to spoil it), that cropped up every few chapters. I felt fully immersed!
This one is for lovers of
💕 Brother’s Best Friend
🗡️Only One Bed
💕 They both think they fall first
🗡️ Literal Knight in shining armour
💕Found Family
🗡️Fake Dating
💕Hot bearded nerdiness
🗡️Your heart flumping around in your chest because ✨FEELINGS✨
Packed with banter, chemistry, butterfly-inducing moments and a cast of interesting characters, for a lighthearted romance, this book still manages to delve into some deeper, emotional themes.
We have full-time carer rep as our MMC is wholly responsible for his Nan, Ethel, who is struggling with dementia. We get a look into how this can take its toll on the individual as well as those around them and I thought this was very well done.
I’m usually a hard pass on the miscommunication trope but it crops up in a very authentic way and builds tension throughout - I ate it up!
I also adored an unexpected POV chapter (I don’t want to spoil it), that cropped up every few chapters. I felt fully immersed!
This one is for lovers of
💕 Brother’s Best Friend
🗡️Only One Bed
💕 They both think they fall first
🗡️ Literal Knight in shining armour
💕Found Family
🗡️Fake Dating
💕Hot bearded nerdiness
🗡️Your heart flumping around in your chest because ✨FEELINGS✨
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