Book Review: Spikes, Dice and Other Variables by Harper Kinsley

[ID: a light purple and yellow book cover with a cartoon illustration of a blonde teen girl with a volleyball sitting on a desk looking at a fat teen boy with glasses and brown hair. “Spikes, Dice, & Other Variables is written in alternating bold yellow and white cursive text. “Harper Kinsley” is written in dark red curses on a paper propped on a desk. The book sits on a white shelf in front of a brown chess board and a row of books with bright yellow spines. The book is surrounded by book page flowers and confetti and fake purple roses. A column of polished amethyst sits to the right.]

Thank you to @NetGalley and @InkedInGrayPress for an early look at SPIKES, DICE, AND OTHER VARIABLES, a YA contemporary romance with undiagnosed ADHD representation based on the author’s personal experience releasing September 15th!

When Riley, a star volleyball player with ADHD, is on the brink of failing math, she finds help with the shy nerd in her class, Simon. Riley joins his TTRPG club to win him over but slowly finds herself falling for him AND his role-playing community.

SPIKES, DICE, AND OTHER VARIABLES is a sweet coming-of-age story with a moving character arc. I really loved seeing Riley fall for Simon and discover her asexuality. It felt real and affirming.

However, I did struggle with the plot’s premise. Even after Simon volunteers to tutor her, Riley is convinced that she needs to pretend to love D&D and join his club in order to “win him over”. Of course, this lie eventually comes back to bite her and it’s so unnecessary! I’ve never played D&D but I didn’t mind the focus on the game. I just wish there had been a different approach to the plot.

I also wanted to see more of Simon! I feel like we almost never see fat love interests in YA (or adult fiction for that matter)! I couldn’t tell you how much I needed this representation and the first time I saw the cover my heart practically glowed. But I feel like he gets the short end of the stick in this story. SPIKES is primarily about RIley’s development and his characterization is definitely second to hers. I didn’t feel like there was enough time spent with HIS emotions and reactions to the plot shenanigans. I wish this book had been a dual POV so we could really hear his voice.

I enjoyed SPIKES and I will continue following the author’s future writing. I’m glad teens will get to read Riley’s story to expand their worldviews and/or relate to her story. However, I’m personally left wanting more…