Rolls and Rivalry

Name: Rolls and Rivalry
Brand: Penguin Random House
Availability: InStock
Author: Kristy Boyce
ISBN: 9798217295197

Author: Kristy Boyce

Narrator: Louisa Zhu

Unabridged: 10 hr 31 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Listening Library

Published: 05/05/2026

Categories: Young Adult Fiction, Coming Of Age, Social Themes

Synopsis

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Roll the dice, strike up the band, and get ready for a swoon-worthy summer! A charming gaming romance that blends the magic of D&D with the camaraderie of band camp—from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!

Questing for love . . .

Hazel Buchanan has her senior year mapped out: Win respect as color guard captain, kick off her first D&D campaign, and steer clear of distractions. But her plan takes a critical hit when Max—her former best friend and longtime crush—returns to town with drumsticks in hand and an unexplained chip on his shoulder.

Hazel and Max can’t help bickering every time they’re together, and thanks to meddling parents, he’s invading her D&D game too. As Dungeon Master, she’s ready to shut him down, but D&D has a way of bringing people together like nothing else. Is this rivalry masking something more? With dice rolling and emotions spinning, Hazel might be in for more than she planned . . .

About The Author

Kristy Boyce played her first role-playing game in high school and has been friends with that group ever since. In fact, she married the DM. Nowadays, she teaches psychology as a senior lecturer at the Ohio State University. When she’s not spending time with her husband and son, she’s usually writing, reading, or watching happy reality TV. Kristy is the New York Times bestselling author of Dating and Dragons, Dungeons and Drama, Hot British Boyfriend, and Hot Dutch Daydream and lives in Pickerington, Ohio.

Reviews

Goodreads review by ivy on January 19, 2026

4 stars after thinking about it, i decided to raise my rating to 4 stars because this was SO CUTE 😭💗 (is 2026 going to be the year for me?!?) i felt like i was getting wrapped in a warm hug the entire time 🥹 THIS is what YA romances should strive to be — adorable, nostalgic, fun, and a little bit che......more

Goodreads review by jae ⟡ on January 30, 2026

3.75 stars 𐙚 ˙ ˖ as someone who was in band in high school, this was such a comforting and nostalgic read 🥹 it’s bittersweet to be reminded of how simple life was back then, with all the silly rivalries and heart-fluttering crushes. highly recommend to anyone looking for a light read with wholes......more

Goodreads review by chantalsbookstuff on May 16, 2026

One of these always brings me down from a book high were I find myself in such a slump it's depressing. This book was fun and easy, exactly what I needed. I actually liked the band geeks premise. Never played D&D before but thinking I might want to try it!......more

Goodreads review by Noi (in & out) on May 10, 2026

"I’ve missed everything about you. There’s no one else in the world like you..." --- More of a band book than a game book. Which is fine, but not what I was expecting. I didn't like the bets, I didn't like that some things happened with no repercussions, I didn't like that our MFC only at the very end h......more

Goodreads review by Starr on May 03, 2026

4.4 *Review to come* Pre-review comments below I WAS JUST WONDERING IF WE WERE GOING TO GET ANOTHER DND ROMANCE I literally didn't even read the synopsis before smashing that "request arc" button edit the bat????? this cover is such a treat 😭😭😭😭😭😭......more

Quotes

"Fans of both marching band and D&D will find much to love in the detailed descriptions of both activities and how they resonate through the characters’ lives....A satisfying rivals-to-lovers romance played to the beat of marching bands and D&D dice rolls." —Kirkus Reviews

"Boyce fans will appreciate the fun and flirty vibe between the two leads as well as the ever-present role-playing game element. Newcomers will enjoy the familiar trope of enemies-to-lovers that reaches a satisfactory ending." —School Library Journal

"Boyce writes an energetic story that centers on the complexities of teen social dynamics....the romps and antics will certainly appeal to those who like their rom-coms as boisterous as a fight song." —Booklist