A Heartfelt Journey with Roll for Love by M.K. England
There are books that pull at your heartstrings the moment you open them, and then there are books that make you grin like a fool on public transport while simultaneously bringing you to tears at least twice. Roll for Love by M.K. England is the latter, and I can’t express how grateful I am to NetGalley and Running Press for the ARC. It’s no exaggeration to say this quick read earned a straightforward 5 stars—no deliberation necessary.
Set against the backdrop of a tender YA contemporary romance, Roll for Love weaves themes of grief, identity, and community into a vibrant tapestry that resonates deeply. As I immersed myself in the journey of Harper and Ollie—two sapphic best friends rekindling their bond—I felt each emotional beat echo with my own memories of youth, identity struggles, and the daunting uncertainty of adulthood. The fears of being closeted and clashing with parents struck a familiar chord; I found solace and strength in their experiences.
The beauty of this novel lies in its portrayal of a rich, diverse friend group. Harper and Ollie aren’t just the stars of their own story; they are surrounded by an ace non-binary character, Ev, the openly gay Brooks, and questioning Colton. This mashup of identities is not only refreshing but essential for young readers grappling with their own identities. It felt like a warm embrace—a promise that you’re not alone in your confusion or fear. I found a nostalgic comfort in the camaraderie of this LGBTQ+ friend group; if only I had a crew like this growing up!
One of my core takeaways was the way Roll for Love challenges the notion that LGBTQ+ individuals must leave conservative hometowns to find acceptance elsewhere. The heartwarming interactions between Harper, Ollie, and an elder gay couple reveal the vital impact of simply being present within your community. The poignant line, “Besides, rural areas will never get more integrated if some of us don’t plant our rainbow flag and lead the way!” resonated deeply with me, particularly as a Singaporean reader navigating my own cultural landscape.
M.K. England’s writing style flows seamlessly, balancing the whimsy of childhood nostalgia with the weight of real-world anxieties. Each chapter effortlessly transitions from the enchanting realms of D&D to the raw, emotional moments in the characters’ lives. England skillfully incorporates the campaign adventures into the narrative, adding layers to the characters while allowing us to witness their growth both in-game and real life.
The central sapphic romance? Pure magic. The friends-to-lovers arc is both sweet and believable, enriched by their shared history and the complexities of Ollie’s coming-out journey. I especially appreciated how their relationship addresses the struggles of being together when one partner is not yet out. In an emotional high point, Harper reflects, “Sometimes pride looks like rainbow flags and parades. But sometimes it looks like just living your life, doing the things you want to do, and being happy, right?” This recognition of quiet pride struck a personal chord and reminded me of the ongoing journey many face in their quest for love and acceptance.
Roll for Love captured my heart and will undoubtedly resonate with anyone seeking refuge in a story of self-discovery and community. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to queer youth, especially to that fragile 15-year-old version of me who needed to see a reflection of love and acceptance in the stories she read. This story stands as a beacon of hope—a call to embrace our identities and the communities we cultivate around us.