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Two Can Play
By Ali Hazelwood
Romance · United States · 2026
Summary
Two Can Play is an enemies-to-lovers romance novella set in video-game development. Viola Bowen gets the opportunity to help adapt her favourite book series, only to discover that co-lead Jesse Andrews is the colleague she believes has rejected her for years. A remote winter retreat brings their professional rivalry and unresolved personal history into the same confined space.
Book details
- Author: Ali Hazelwood
- Original language: English
- Genre: Romance · Enemies-to-lovers workplace romance novella
- Publisher: Berkley
- Status: Published
NovelRove does not host pirated text or downloads. Rights remain with the author, publisher and respective owners.
Themes
Workplace rivalry · Miscommunication · Creative collaboration · Romance
Reading highlights
- The publisher calls it a novella, not a full-length novel
- The 2026 print edition includes a new bonus chapter
- It originated as an audio release before the print and ebook edition
Main characters
- Viola Bowen — Video-game designer
A designer given the chance to adapt her favourite books while sharing leadership with her perceived archenemy.
- Jesse Andrews — Co-lead and romantic counterpart
Viola’s highly capable colleague, whose long-standing distance from her has an explanation she does not know.
Character notes are limited to names and relationships disclosed by the publisher or author. They avoid unverified fan claims.
About the author
Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood writes contemporary romance and is also a neuroscientist. Her published fiction includes The Love Hypothesis, Bride, Mate and Problematic Summer Romance.
Other books
- The Love Hypothesis — Romance novel
- Problematic Summer Romance — Romance novel
Official editions and reading
- ISBN
- 9798217192694
- Pages
- 208
- Publication date
- 2026-02-10
Berkley lists the 2026 hardcover and paperback edition at 208 pages (ISBN 9798217192694). The earlier audio version is measured by running time, not pages.
- Penguin Random House official book page — Verify publication data and find current authorised formats for Two Can Play.
Content notes
Explicit sexual content
Frequently asked questions
What is Two Can Play about?
Viola and Jesse must collaborate on a major game adaptation despite years of hostility. Forced proximity at a snowbound work retreat makes Viola reassess what she thought she knew about Jesse and the reason for their rivalry.
Who wrote Two Can Play?
Two Can Play was written by Ali Hazelwood. This page links its factual claims to the publisher or author source.
Do I need to read another book first?
This is a standalone work and can be read without another book first.
How many pages is Two Can Play?
Berkley lists the 2026 hardcover and paperback edition at 208 pages (ISBN 9798217192694). The earlier audio version is measured by running time, not pages.
Is Two Can Play a novel or a novella?
Penguin Random House describes it as a spicy enemies-to-lovers novella. Calling it a novella avoids confusing its length and format with Hazelwood’s full-length novels.
Is Two Can Play part of another series?
The official publisher page presents the story as a self-contained romance. It is not the same work as other films, games or books that share a similar title.
Where can I read or buy Two Can Play legally?
Use the Penguin Random House page to see the authorised print, ebook, audiobook or sample options available in your market. NovelRove does not host the book text or unauthorised downloads.
Sources and verification
- Penguin Random House official book page — 2026-08-30
- Ali Hazelwood · official title page — 2026-08-30
