Single Player

By: Tara Tai

Narrated by: Natalie Naudus

Two video game creators go head-to-head in this delightful, queer enemies-to-lovers workplace romance debut, perfect for fans of T.J. Alexander and Helen Hoang.

Cat Li cares about two things: video games and swoony romances. The former has meant there’s not been much of the latter in her (real) life, but when she lands her dream job writing the love storylines for Compass Hollow—the next big thing in games—she knows it’s all been worth it. Then she meets her boss: the infamous Andi Zhang, who’s not only an arrogant hater of happily-ever-afters determined to keep Cat from doing her job but also impossibly, annoyingly hot.

As Compass Hollow’s narrative director, Andi couldn’t care less about love—in-game or out. After getting doxxed by internet trolls three years ago, Andi’s been trying to prove to the gaming world that they’re a serious gamedev. Their plan includes writing the best game possible, with zero lovey-dovey stuff. That is until the man funding the game’s development insists Andi add romance in order to make the story “more appealing to female gamers.”

Forced to give Cat a chance, Andi begrudgingly realizes there’s more to Cat than romantic idealism and, okay, a cute smile. But admitting that would mean giving up the single-player life that has kept their heart safe for years. And when Cat uncovers a behind-the-scenes plan to destroy Andi’s career, the two will have to put their differences aside and find a way to work together before it’s game over.

©2025 Tara Tai (P)2025 Dreamscape Media

Such a fantastic read!

This story was so cute and wonderful. Its two main protagonists Cat and Andi are neurodivergent gamers who are colleagues. Great book if you’re a gamer or if you’re not. It was kind of predictable but I still enjoyed it so so much! It was just great and you really got to see some of their social anxiety come through in such an authentic way. Loved this book and I’ll be on the lookout for more books by this author.

Love the video game references

This was super cute. Loved the video game company culture and highlighting the unique challenges non white, non straight people face breaking into the industry.

It was supposed to be a romcom, so the only reason I didn’t give it a five is because it didn’t have the awkwardness of a romcom(that’s what makes them funny!) and the romance was SOOOOO slow burn that I almost thought the romance wasn’t going to be in it, but I’d read this author again. Read it in audio and would highly recommend if you like gamer romances.

Lovely

I absolutely love Single Player by Tara Tai! there is very strong character building, and the characters feel very realistic. The romantacy is very try believable, and the journey is just lovely!!! Great listen, Natalie Nautus did an amazing job balancing all of the characters , I enjoyed listening 3 times b2b just to catch all the little easter eggs 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

One of the best

One of the best books I’ve ever heard. Great story. Great narration. I loved it and highly recommend it!