Review
Hazel is looking forward to a fun senior year as section leader of the colour guard (dancers with flags) for her high school marching band. Her parents are 100% on board, if her mum is a little pushy… they were both keen band members in their youth. And her former best friend and crush Max is moving back into town!
Unfortunately, when she sees Max, she finds that he’s become taller and cuter… but is now being a bit of a jerk. He doesn’t seem interested in being friends. He seems actively hostile. And he’s a popular new member of the marching band’s percussion section… a section that’s been feuding with the colour guard for years.
But after Max’s mum rejoins Hazel’s parents’ D&D game, bringing Max along, Hazel and Max start reconnecting. They remember that they were always going to start their own D&D game and decide that they’re going to do it, inviting three other members of the marching band to join. Both Hazel and Max are feeling under pressure in different ways. But at least they have their friendship again. Or… could it be something more?
*
A mildly enjoyable instalment in Boyce’s Gaming & Romance series of standalones. Not quite as good as the other two, but fine, and a very wholesome romance. The action was a little predictable and, listening to the audiobook, I felt compelled to speed it up in order to not DNF it.
Coming from a non-marching band culture, I have to say that I learned quite a lot about marching bands!
Suitable for Year 7 & up.
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Max’s parents had nasty divorce due to Max’s father’s controlling behaviour; Max is initially mean to Hazel because he’s jealous of her ‘perfect’ family; Hazel’s mum unwittingly puts a lot of pressure on Hazel to do well in marching band; some teasing; a kiss or two – all very sweet.
*
Boyce, K. (2026). Rolls and rivalry (L. Zhu, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Listening Library.
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