Let’s be honest, ladies. We’ve all been there: desperately waiting for that text back, agonizing over mixed signals, and convincing ourselves that a “hey” qualifies as a grand romantic gesture. So when I heard about Elena Armas’ new novel, “The Long Game,” promising a slow-burn romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes, I was like, “Sign me up!”
But did “The Long Game” live up to the hype? Buckle up, because I’m about to spill the tea.
The Story:
Our main character, Adalyn, is a successful but jaded marketing executive who finds herself playing a game of “will they, won’t they” with the infuriatingly charming (and ridiculously handsome) Cameron, her “co-worker”. Sparks fly, banter ensues, and all seems well… except for the whole “we’re actually rivals at work” thing.
My Thoughts:
There were moments, I’ll admit, where I was captivated by Adalyn’s inner monologue and the undeniable chemistry between her and Cameron. Their witty exchanges had me chuckling, and I genuinely enjoyed their banter. However, the “long game” aspect of the story started to feel, well, long.
Here’s why I’m not giving this a glowing review:
- Slow-burn turned into a glacial crawl: The tension between Adalyn and Cameron dragged on for so long that it started to feel tedious. We get it, they both have baggage, but can we please move things along?
- Tropes galore: The book relied heavily on clichés and predictable plot points. I felt like I’d read this story a hundred times before.
- Lack of emotional depth: While the characters were fun, I never truly connected with them on a deeper level. Their motivations and emotional journeys felt underdeveloped.
The Verdict:
“The Long Game” wasn’t a total disaster. The writing was decent, the banter was fun, and the premise had potential. However, the slow pace, lack of emotional depth, and reliance on clichés ultimately left me feeling disappointed.
Rating: 2.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ .5
Pairing “The Long Game” with the Perfect Wine and Dessert:
“The Long Game” is like a glass of Pinot Grigio: crisp, refreshing, and easy to drink. It’s not the most complex wine out there, but it’s perfectly enjoyable on a warm summer day.
For dessert, think Lemon Sorbet: light, palate-cleansing, and not too sweet. Just like the book, it’s a nice way to finish off a meal (or reading session) without feeling heavy or weighed down.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a light and fluffy read with some witty banter, “The Long Game” might be worth checking out. But if you’re craving a deeper romance with well-developed characters and a unique plot, you might want to skip this one.
