DUNGEONS AND DRAMA - Kristy Boyce

Riley loves musical theatre. After high school she plans to study theatre and ultimately become a director on Broadway. But how is any of that going to happen if she doesn't get experience now? And when the school board, in all its uneducated wisdom, decides to 'save money' by cancelling the annual musical production, Rile knows she has to take matters into her own hands.

But when Riley borrows her mom's car - without permission - she's grounded and given the worst punishment ever ... she has to spend her after school hours in her dad's game store (where the geeks sit around and play Dungeons and Dragons in the afternoons).

Riley, wise and worldly, spots some romance tension among the afternoon nerds and makes a deal with the geek, Nathan who is having trouble getting one of the gamer girls to even notice him despite his huge crush.  Riley promises to 'fake flirt' with Nathan, which she guarantees will make the crush sit up and take notice.  In exchange, maybe Nathan can cover for her from time to time as she has plans to for convincing the school to keep the musical.  Nathan agrees and even offers to 'fake flirt' back with her to make Riley's 'ex' jealous.

Who would ever expect that there's a lot more behind the 'fake' flirting?  Who would ever imagine that there are so many similarities between theatre and LARPing (Live Action Role Play)? Riley's 'punishment' brings two geeky worlds together and also helps Riley connect with her father whom she hasn't spent much time with since her parents' divorce.

I. Had. Fun.  This was a really delightful, even if predictable, read. Everyone, even the likely teen reading this, knows that Riley and Nathan are going to get together.  This isn't a secret and it's not meant to be. The fun is in the development of the characters (which is very well done). 

Although Riley made a mistake and is being punished by her parents, we really like Riley.  She is the outgoing but nice girl that every high has (or should have).  She's not clueless - except when it comes to the boy closest to her.  Even then, though, she thinks she sees something but she doesn't want to put thoughts or words into her head. Riley is the focus of the book and she is very much the most well-crafted of the characters.  And while Nathan plays a big role (no pun intended), there's really not much to his character.  We never get to know anything about him other than what's important to Riley and that he steps up when it matters.

Although I've never been a teenage girl, I was a musical theatre and gaming geek in my school days (still am in my approaching retirement days), so there was a huge appeal to me. I am glad it didn't disappoint! It was so nice to read a YA book that it overall positive and uplifting and not full of angst and drama (despite the title).

Looking for a good book? Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce is a fun RomCom for teens and geeks of all ages.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

4-1/2 stars

* * * * * *

Dungeons and Drama

author: Kristy Boyce

publisher: Delacorte Press

ISBN: 9780593647011

paperback, 304 pages

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