Game On by Navessa Allen: My Honest Review

My Review of Game On

Holy moly did this book deliver on the “I hate you” vibes. This is a true enemies-to-lovers romance that I absolutely ate up.

I actually started this one on audio and ended up finishing it in print, but I cannot recommend the audiobook enough. The narrators brought so much attitude, snark, and pure disdain to Stella and Tyler’s dynamic that it made their interactions even more addictive.

If you love a romance where the tension is high, the banter is sharp, and the chemistry is undeniable even when they don’t want it to be… this one is for you.

Book Details

Release Date: March 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Blackmail, Revenge Plot, Forced Proximity, Brat Play
Steam Level: Medium
POV: Dual
Part of a Series?: Yes, Into the Darkness series (can be read as a standalone)

What This Book Is About

A morally grey man bent on revenge blackmails a tattoo artist into fake dating him so he can infiltrate high society and take down the people he blames.

But as their forced proximity grows, so does a chemistry neither of them wants to acknowledge.

My Full Review

Holy moly did this book have high “I hate you vibes” that made this a true enemies to lovers romance that I ate up like catnip. I started listening to the audiobook but then finished reading it and I cannot recommend the audiobook enough.

As you know, I’m not typically an audiobook girly, but man did the narrators hit this one out of the park. Both brought such attitude, snark and pure hatred to their voices and thus their characters and their interactions which made the book such a delight for my ears.

Tyler was SUCH an a$$hole but I loved every moment that he needled Stella. He’s a true morally grey character who blackmailed Stella into fake dating him so he could amass dirt on the rich to enact his revenge. You want to side with him despite not initially knowing his entire motivation and yet you cringe with how awful he would be to Stella.

And yet, their chemistry was so freakin’ hot despite their unwanted relationship and he did do right by Stella in some ways but he is not fully redeemed by the end which just fit.

I also loved Navessa’s backstory for Stella which was unique in addition to her portrayal of Stella’s struggle with gastritis which she said mirrors her own.

This was my first book by Navessa but won’t be my last because I loved the pacing, the writing and the character development which made this an overall captivating read.

It wasn’t as dark as I was anticipating or as steamy but there are a few high steam scenes for sure, including two menage scenes and one scene that explores brat kink.

What I Loved

• The audiobook performance
Both narrators absolutely nailed the tone of this story – the tension, the snark, and the underlying attraction made this such a fun listen.

• The banter and true enemies-to-lovers dynamic
From their very first meeting in Stella’s tattoo shop, you know exactly what you’re in for. The sharp back-and-forth and genuine dislike made the eventual chemistry even more satisfying.

• Tyler as a morally grey hero
He’s honestly such an a$$hole, but in a way that totally works for this story. You find yourself rooting for him even when you’re cringing at how he treats Stella.

• The chemistry
Despite their unwanted arrangement, their connection is seriously hot and keeps the story moving at a fast, engaging pace.

• Stella’s backstory and health representation
I really appreciated the inclusion of her struggle with gastritis, which added a unique and personal layer to her character.

Things to Know Before You Read

• Includes two ménage scenes and a developing throuple dynamic
  
• Works well as a standalone even if you haven’t read the previous books
  
• Explores brat play, but only briefly and at a surface level
  
• The third character (AJ) is introduced quickly with limited development
  
• Features a lighter tone than expected if you’re anticipating a darker romance
  
• Stella has a pet parrot that adds some unexpected humor

If you’re in the mood for a sharp, tension-filled enemies-to-lovers romance with a morally grey edge, this is a fun one to pick up.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed every minute of the snarky banter and intense chemistry in this one. It’s exactly why enemies to lovers remains one of my favorite tropes.

I originally hesitated to start this series thinking it might be too dark, but this book struck a nice balance and left me excited to read more from Navessa Allen.

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