When a book is described as ‘the nerdiest book in the best way’, then its definitely got my attention. That’s the description a friend gave about Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel.

Playing Flirty [Buy Bookshop Amazon LibroFM] is about a nerdy girl named Rose who is just a wee bit obsessed with board games. Rose and her friends play together, and she even created her own… and hasn’t touched it in a while. When we meet Rose, she’s in a relationship with a guy named Patrick, but he is kinda a dud. He doesn’t play at game nights and is working so much, they don’t really see each other. When an attempt to seduce her man goes badly, her best friend’s brother/roommate WIlliam is there to help her figure things out.

This is such a cute romance story. I appreciate how Shameez handled the change of relationship for Rose. It’s always tricky to navigate having your main character in a relationship with someone other than your main male character, but I think this book handles it well. I also really enjoy the nerdy little details woven throughout the book. Makes a geek girl’s heart real happy.

There’s also a thread of a heavier topic that’s woven through the story. Rose’s boss is making comments that leave her feeling uncomfortable. It’s a position so many women find themselves in, where it’s not something people consider ‘major enough’ to report, but it’s enough to make you want to be anywhere else. I appreciate that Shameez highlighted the topic and showed Rose working through it.

I chatted with Shameez for LiteraryHype and she said there is a book two in the works, Next Level Love, so stayed tuned. Check out our conversation for more about this book and Shameez’s nerdy side.

83. SHAMEEZ PATEL: Celebrating nerdy love with board games and San Diego Comic Con – LiteraryHype Podcast

Send us a textSan Diego Comic Con week is here! If you can't attend the show in person, the next best thing is to read about it. Shameez Patel's first novel published in the USA will do just the trick. Playing Flirty has some ties to SDCC (that I'll let you explore for yourself!) and lots of nerdy love formed over a board game. We're talking all things fandom this week on LiteraryHype Podcast!FOLLOW SHAMEEZBUY THE BOOKBookshopAmazonLibroFMSupport the showSupport the podcast by shopping:EtsyMy Bookshop.org listsLibroFM audiobooksTry Audible Plus Gift Audible Membership Glocusent LED Neck Reading LightTry Shameless Snacks10% Off at Once Upon a Bookclub10% off Goli VitaminsTWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS with new LibroFM Membership: Kindle Unlimited FREE FOR THREE MONTHS!Prime Television FREE TRIALJoin the fun!WebsiteInstagramTiktok…

Note: I can receive compensation for qualifying purchases through links on this site at no additional cost to you. Your support of this site is greatly appreciated.