Single Player

Note: This book will be published on January 7, 2025. Any orders of this book before that date will be considered preorders and shipped upon its release.

By Tara Tai

Tags: Romance, Non-Binary, POC and Queer, Bisexual/Pansexual, Preorder

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

Cat Li cares about two things: video games and swoony romances. The former means there hasn’t 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 plot 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.

“A must-read for fans of queer romance . . . Tai’s storytelling is both fun and thought-provoking, making this debut a standout in contemporary romance fiction.”
—Library Journal, starred review

“[A] bighearted debut . . . Meryl Wilsner fans should check this out.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A celebration of games and gaming culture.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“With the most delicious tension between the enemies-to-lovers main characters, Single Player will pull you deep into the gaming world and keep you turning pages even if you are not a gamer. A fantastic debut!”
—Lyn Liao Butler, Amazon bestselling author of Someone Else’s Life

“For gamers and swooners alike, Single Player is a video game wrapped in the perfect book. Play between two scintillating characters as you struggle not to fall in love with both!” 
—Laura Gao, creator of Messy Roots and Kirby’s Lessons for Falling (In Love)

“Single Player is the most fun read I’ve had in years. If you’ve ever restarted a game from your last save point to salvage your relationship with a romanceable hottie—and if you’ve ever wished you could do the same in real life—this book is tailor-made for you. Gaymers and queer nerds of every stripe will be rooting for Cat and Andi all the way to the final boss.”
—TJ Alexander, author of Triple Sec

“Single Player is a sparkling, heartfelt story of two fiercely talented queer heroes navigating not just gaming culture, but also their growing feelings for each other. Full of razor-sharp wit, sincerity, and beautiful writing, Single Player is a must-read rivals-to-lovers romance. A perfectly smart nerdy rom-com.”
—Taleen Voskuni, author of Sorry, Bro and Lavash at First Sight

“A witty, heartwarming workplace romance with the perfect dose of industry drama—Single Player will be your next obsession. Cat and Andi’s chemistry is electric, and their slow-burn tension will keep you hooked until the very end. Tara Tai’s talent for crafting intrigue and dynamic relationships is truly remarkable.” 
—Kyla Zhao, author of Valley Verified and The Fraud Squad