Lenora Woods debuts with Roll for Romance, a charming contemporary fantasy romance that cleverly weaves together the worlds of tabletop gaming and real-life relationship dynamics. This novel offers readers a refreshing exploration of identity, belonging, and the courage to embrace uncertainty—all while rolling twenty-sided dice.
The Quest Begins: A Story of Second Chances
Sadie Brooks finds herself at a crossroads that many millennial readers will recognize intimately. After losing her marketing job in New York City—a position she thought represented her dream career—she retreats to small-town Texas to stay with her best friend Liam. What begins as a temporary escape becomes an unexpected journey of self-discovery when she finally agrees to join Liam’s long-standing Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
Woods crafts Sadie’s character with authentic vulnerability. Her struggle with professional identity and the fear of failure resonates deeply, particularly in an era where career burnout has become increasingly common. The author skillfully portrays how losing a job can feel like losing oneself, especially when so much personal worth becomes tied to professional success.
The romance develops organically through both the real world and the fantasy realm. Noah Walker, the charming bartender and fellow D&D newcomer, brings his own complexity to the story. His nomadic lifestyle and fear of commitment create a compelling counterpoint to Sadie’s need for stability and belonging.
Character Development: More Than Surface-Level Romance
The Real-World Characters
Woods excels at creating multidimensional characters who feel genuinely human. Sadie’s internal monologue captures the anxiety and self-doubt that accompany major life transitions with remarkable authenticity. Her artistic talents and creative struggles add depth beyond the typical romance heroine archetype.
Noah emerges as more than the standard “mysterious love interest.” His backstory involving a controlling ex-fiancée and subsequent embrace of wanderlust provides believable motivation for his reluctance to commit. The author avoids the trap of making him unrealistically perfect, instead presenting a man working through his own emotional baggage.
The supporting cast, particularly Liam as the devoted best friend and Dungeon Master, adds richness to the narrative. Liam’s character serves as both plot catalyst and emotional anchor, representing the kind of friendship that endures through major life changes.
The Fantasy Counterparts
The D&D segments featuring Jaylie the cleric and Loren the bard allow Woods to explore themes of empowerment and wish fulfillment. Jaylie embodies everything Sadie wishes she could be—confident, lucky, and capable of healing others. These fantasy interludes never feel forced or disconnected from the main narrative; instead, they mirror and illuminate the real-world emotional journey.
The parallel between Sadie/Jaylie and Noah/Loren’s relationship development creates a clever dual narrative structure. The fantasy romance allows both characters to express desires and fears they might struggle to voice in reality.
Writing Style: Accessible Yet Engaging
Woods demonstrates a natural talent for contemporary romance writing. Her prose flows smoothly without becoming overly flowery or pretentious. The dialogue feels authentic, particularly during the D&D sessions where she captures the collaborative storytelling aspect that makes tabletop gaming so appealing.
The author successfully balances multiple narrative elements without losing focus. The fantasy sequences are brief enough to maintain pacing while being detailed enough to feel immersive. Woods clearly understands D&D culture, incorporating authentic details that will delight gaming enthusiasts without alienating non-gamers.
The emotional beats feel earned rather than manipulated. Sadie’s character growth occurs gradually, making her eventual decisions feel natural rather than forced by plot convenience.
Themes That Resonate: Identity Beyond Professional Success
The Modern Crisis of Work-Life Balance
Woods tackles the contemporary issue of deriving too much identity from career success. Sadie’s journey from marketing professional to unemployed artist to someone finding her own path reflects broader cultural conversations about work-life balance and personal fulfillment.
The novel explores how societal pressure to have a “dream job” can become a trap. Sadie’s realization that her supposed dream career in New York no longer fits who she’s becoming offers a refreshing alternative to the “follow your passion” narrative.
Gaming as Genuine Community
The D&D elements serve as more than mere gimmick. Woods portrays tabletop gaming as a legitimate form of social connection and creative expression. The game provides a safe space for the characters to explore different aspects of their personalities and build meaningful friendships.
Love Without Ultimatums
The romance avoids many common contemporary romance pitfalls. Neither character demands the other change fundamental aspects of their lifestyle. Instead, they work toward finding a compromise that honors both of their needs and fears.
Areas for Improvement
While Roll for Romance succeeds in most areas, some elements could have been developed further. The pacing occasionally feels rushed, particularly in the final act where Sadie’s decision-making process could have benefited from more exploration.
The supporting characters, while charming, sometimes feel more like plot devices than fully realized individuals. Morgan and Julie, in particular, could have used more development beyond their roles as friendly D&D companions.
Some readers might find the dual narrative structure occasionally jarring, especially those unfamiliar with tabletop gaming culture. However, Woods provides enough context to keep non-gamers engaged.
Fantasy Romance in Context
Roll for Romance fits well within the growing trend of contemporary fantasy that incorporates gaming culture. It shares DNA with novels like The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune in its celebration of found family and alternative communities, though Woods focuses more heavily on romantic development.
The book also echoes themes found in novels by Emily Henry, particularly in its exploration of career dissatisfaction and the courage to change life direction. However, Woods adds the unique element of using fantasy roleplay as a vehicle for personal growth.
Similar Reads for Genre Fans
Readers who enjoy Roll for Romance might appreciate:
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – for complex character development
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – for career uncertainty themes
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – for found family elements
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – for contemporary romance with geek culture elements
- The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas – for enemies-to-lovers dynamics with academic settings
The Verdict: A Successful Debut Roll
Roll for Romance succeeds as both a contemporary romance and a love letter to gaming culture. Woods demonstrates genuine understanding of both genres, creating a story that honors the complexity of modern relationships while celebrating the power of imagination and community.
The novel works especially well for readers experiencing their own quarter-life or career crises. Sadie’s journey offers hope that it’s possible to change direction without losing oneself entirely. The message that home is more about people than places resonates strongly in our increasingly mobile society.
While not groundbreaking, Roll for Romance is a solid debut that establishes Woods as a promising voice in contemporary romance. The book successfully argues that sometimes the best adventures begin when you’re brave enough to roll the dice on something completely new.
For readers seeking escapist romance with emotional depth, authentic characters, and a fresh take on finding your tribe, Roll for Romance delivers exactly what its title promises—a delightful adventure worth embarking upon.
Roll for Romance proves that sometimes the most magical journeys happen when we finally give ourselves permission to play.