#31 [2026/CBR18] Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood

By this point, I will read any book by Ali Hazelwood, and I'm usually not disappointed. However, she's so prolific that her books often sneak up on me. As soon as I became aware of its existence, I put Two Can Play (2026) on hold at the library and just recently finished it.

Two Can Play feels very much like a Hazelwood romance novel, but it is also shorter than many of her novels--about 200 pages. The story is about two video game developers who work for rival companies. Viola is excited because her favorite book series is going to be adapted into a video game, and she desperately wants to work on it. The problem is that the developer wants both the company Viola works for as well as the warring video game company to work together.

There are a lot of personal conflicts between these two companies, but the only problem Viola has is with Jesse Andrews. Back when she was first applying for jobs, she interviewed with Jesse and his boss. At the time, Jesse worked for yet another company. Jesse's then-boss was inappropriate and sexist, and Viola walked out of the interview. Jesse was embarrassed by his boss's actions and caught up to Viola. He apologized for his boss and recommended another company that he thought would be a good fit for her.

It ended up being good advice because Viola is currently working at the company Jesse had recommended. The problem was that she often ran into him at various industry events and conventions, and he was always aloof and indifferent. She didn't understand why he disliked her, but it was unfortunate because for a short time, she'd had a little crush on him. The final straw was at a recent, Christmas wedding (his best friend and her cousin, or something, were getting married, so they were both there). He looked horrified and publicly refused to kiss her when they found themselves under the mistletoe. He abandoned her, stalking away without even a kiss on the cheek. This humiliated Viola and whatever was left of her crush officially died.

In order to facilitate the better relations between the two companies, the developer set up a ski retreat at a lodge in the mountains. This would be the test to see if the companies can work together and do the job. Suddenly, there is a lot of forced proximity between Viola and Jesse. Jesse continues to be perfectly polite and distant with her until he loses a drinking game and Viola helps him back to his room. It comes out that he liked her, but due to a misunderstanding when they first met, he thought Viola wanted nothing to do with him. 

It doesn't take much after that for the two to get closer and closer, with all of the action taking place during the retreat. 

Hazelwood does her normal thing where the couple is absolutely perfect for each other. Although it might not be realistic, it is satisfying to read. The misunderstanding felt a little unrealistic--especially that it lasted so long, but I was willing to buy it. I did appreciate that Hazelwood didn't throw a last-minute wrench into their relationship, but just let them get together without extra drama. 

Final summation: I liked Viola and Jesse and I was happy to see them together. I enjoyed this one.