Nerd Love

By: Magnolia Robbins

Narrated by: Alicia Foreman

World renowned sci-fi television star Reese Simmons looks like she has it all - fame, wealth, and a slew of beautiful women who follow her every move. Except Reese’s life is crumbling around her. She hates her job and is constantly accused of being a “reckless party animal.” Reese’s agent decides the one surefire way to get her image back on track. She has to date the worst person in the entire universe, her co-star Justine Turner.

Her solution: she needs a fake girlfriend. And fast.

Enter Lucy, the BFF. Game store manager, board game geek, the world’s most amazing cosplayer, and Reese’s best friend practically since birth. When Lucy finds out Reese’s predicament, there seems like only one solution: pose as fake girlfriends. And Lucy is more than willing to play the part. She’d do anything for Reese - even if it means entirely too romantic tales about their relationship, hearing she’s “incredibly beautiful”, and expert kisses in public.

The problem: Reese and Lucy have been in love with each other all their lives - and they’re both completely clueless.

This book features two best friends, roleplaying games, and countless "fake" kisses and begs the question: Who wants a real girlfriend when faking is so much fun?

©2019 Magnolia Robbins (P)2019 Magnolia Robbins

So cute!

This f/f romance was so adorable. It was kinda boring in some parts but it was a cute friends to lovers/fake romance book about geeky queer woman!

I received this via Audiobook Boom and reviewed voluntarily.

Same 'Old; Same Old

Th central protagonist Reese Simmons is a hot mess; unable to take a stand against her agent, whenever she is strong armed by the little woman she puts up a token resistance, then folds. Whenever she faces frustration she gets drunk and acts out in a totally ineffective, even self destructive way. She always finds an excuse to not get she really wants.
Lucy has worked in a games arcade since was 18 and even with her college degree she continues to work there. She puts off everyone who advises her to move on. She writes screenplays that she won't show to anyone else; in short she's running away from her life. When her best friend Reese offers her a relationship, she at first runs away from her, then uses Reese's weakness; weaknesses she knows all too well, as an excuse to end the relationship.
Okay now that I've played spoiler I suppose it comes as no surprise that I do not recommend particular book. In my ongoing love/ hate relationship with Magnolia Robbins this one clearly falls in the dislike zone.

It’s so geeky love.

Ok I am a geek I love D&D and board games and video games. I was delighted to read a fun book that has such a nerdy geek way.
This story is light and fun and loving.
Totally loved it.

Friends-to-lovers

Endearing, cute, and cozy friends-to-lovers story, but also a bit cookie-cutter and predictable.

The premise is good. I really liked Lucy, the somewhat shy, nerdy, heartbroken by last break-up. But then she falls in love with Reese, who she’s already known for two decades? How did they not know they had feelings for each other? How would those feelings increase only after a drunken stupor?

Lots of background information that got in the way of the plot. Descriptions of gaming is nice for those interested in it but might be a little too much for the world outside of games. Also there was a lot of background information on Lucy’s former relationship with Riley that didn’t seem to add up in the end.

I thought the climax was unsatisfactory. It was too quick, and without giving a spoiler, didn’t seem to fit the characters.

One great thing about this book are the sex scenes – very well-written.

Disappointing main characters; terrific narration

“Nerd Love” was enjoyable, and while the narration was terrific, I was disappointed in the story, primarily because I didn’t particularly like either MC.

MC Reese, a hugely successful actress, is extremely self-centered (though is is extremely kind and focused on helping her parents). She is very shallow, seriously immature, and frequently makes HUGE mistakes after drinking too much. I wish someone in the book had confronted her to help with what is clearly a drinking problem.

MC Lucy is very sweet, but is a serious underachiever for 95% of the book. Jokes abound about straight women feeling like the only available men are 30ish somethings living in their parent’s basement playing video games. Lucy is pretty much the female version of that trope.

I love nerds, and I was disappointed that Reese made fun of nerds, her fans and Lucy alike. Lucy was just too much the stereotype nerd rather than the nerd-on-the-surface who is really so much more complex.

Overall, I rate “Nerd Love” 3*, although the narrator gave a 4* performance!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

My rating and my review was not in anyway affected by my having been provided a review copy.