Plot Summary
Joyride and Consequences
Riley Morris, a passionate theater kid, makes a reckless choice: she "borrows" her mom's car without a license to see a Broadway show with her best friend, Hoshiko. The thrill of the night is short-lived when her parents discover her actions. As punishment, Riley is grounded and forced to work at her dad's struggling game store, Sword and Board Games, after school. The store, a symbol of her parents' divorce, is the last place she wants to be. Riley's resentment simmers as she's cut off from her beloved theater activities and friends, setting the stage for a reluctant journey into a world she's always avoided.
Exile at Sword & Board
Thrust into the unfamiliar world of tabletop games, Riley feels like an outsider among the store's regulars and her dad's quirky employees. She clashes with Nathan, a sarcastic, sharp-witted classmate who works at the store and seems to resent her presence as much as she resents his. The store is filled with oddball customers, passionate gamers, and a sense of community support Riley doesn't understand. Her relationship with her dad is strained, colored by old wounds from the divorce and his obsession with gaming. Riley's sense of isolation deepens, but beneath her resistance, the seeds of change are quietly planted.
Enemies, Allies, and Awkwardness
At school, Riley leans on Hoshiko, her best friend and theater soulmate, as she navigates her punishment. She's forced to interact with her ex-boyfriend Paul, whose patronizing concern only fuels her frustration. At the store, Riley's initial antagonism with Nathan is matched by his own prickliness, but their banter hints at a grudging respect. The store's regulars—Lucas, Anthony, John, and the enigmatic Sophia—form a tight-knit D&D group, and Riley is drawn into their orbit. As she juggles school, work, and her fractured family, Riley begins to glimpse the possibility of new connections.
Musical Dreams Dashed
Riley's world is rocked when the school announces the spring musical is cut due to budget and waning interest. For Riley and Hoshiko, theater is everything, and the loss feels like a death. Refusing to accept defeat, Riley vows to fight for the musical's return, channeling her energy into research and planning. Meanwhile, her punishment at the store continues, and she's forced to confront her dad's happiness in his chosen community. The contrast between her lost dreams and her dad's fulfillment at Sword and Board Games stirs complicated emotions, pushing Riley to reconsider her assumptions.
The Fake Dating Pact
When Paul visits the store with his new girlfriend, Riley, stung by his pity, impulsively claims she's dating Nathan. Caught off guard, Nathan is roped into the lie. They strike a deal: Riley will help Nathan make Sophia jealous, and Nathan will pretend to be Riley's boyfriend to save face with Paul. Their "fake dating" pact is fraught with awkwardness, but it offers both a way to navigate their social dilemmas. As they perform their roles, the line between acting and reality begins to blur, and unexpected feelings simmer beneath the surface.
Dungeons, Drama, and Duets
To maintain the ruse and escape work, Riley joins Nathan's D&D group, discovering a surprising joy in role-playing as a bard. Her theatrical flair and musical outbursts both amuse and embarrass her new friends, but she quickly becomes an integral part of the group. The game becomes a space where Riley's creativity shines, and her relationships with Nathan and the others deepen. Meanwhile, her campaign to save the musical gains momentum, and she enlists Hoshiko and her friends in her cause. The boundaries between Riley's two worlds—gaming and theater—begin to dissolve.
Schemes and Shifting Loyalties
Riley's efforts to revive the musical intensify as she rallies support, gathers signatures, and strategizes with Miss Sahni, the new choir director. At the store, her rapport with Nathan grows more genuine, and their fake flirting starts to feel real. Sophia's jealousy is piqued, and the group's dynamics shift as Riley becomes more accepted. Riley's relationship with her dad softens as she sees his kindness and the community he's built. The lines between punishment and belonging blur, and Riley finds herself unexpectedly invested in the store and its people.
Jealousy, Games, and Growing Closer
As Riley and Nathan's act convinces their targets, their own feelings become harder to deny. Jealousy, misunderstandings, and moments of vulnerability bring them closer, but also create tension. Riley's mother and father both notice the change, and Riley is forced to confront her loyalties and desires. The D&D campaign mirrors their real-life struggles, with teamwork, risk, and the need for trust. Riley's friendships deepen, and she begins to see the store as more than just a punishment—it's a place of growth, connection, and unexpected joy.
The Truth Behind the Masks
The pressure of maintaining the fake relationship takes its toll. Riley and Nathan's feelings threaten to break through their carefully constructed façade, but fear and pride keep them apart. Riley's campaign for the musical faces setbacks, and her relationships with her parents reach a breaking point. A health scare with her dad forces Riley to reevaluate what matters most. The truth about her feelings for Nathan, her passion for theater, and her need for family and belonging come to the forefront, demanding honesty and courage.
The Musical Rebellion
With the musical's fate hanging in the balance, Riley and her friends stage a showcase to prove the school's passion for theater. The performance is a triumph, thanks to the support of her D&D friends, her parents, and the wider community. Riley's leadership and resilience shine as she navigates last-minute crises and brings people together. The showcase becomes a symbol of hope, creativity, and the power of found family. Riley realizes that her worlds—gaming and theater—are not so different after all, and that she can belong in both.
Hearts, Hurt, and Homecoming
As homecoming approaches, Riley and Nathan's relationship reaches a tipping point. Misunderstandings and unspoken feelings lead to heartbreak, and both retreat into themselves. The dance becomes a crucible where truths are revealed, old wounds are confronted, and Riley must choose between fear and vulnerability. With the support of Hoshiko and her friends, Riley finds the courage to be honest—with herself, with Nathan, and with her parents. The night ends with heartbreak, but also with the promise of healing and growth.
Breaking Points and Breakthroughs
In the aftermath of homecoming, Riley faces the consequences of her choices. Her dad's health scare brings her family together, forcing difficult conversations and long-overdue forgiveness. Riley learns to see her parents as flawed but loving individuals, and she finds peace in their acceptance. Her friendships are tested but ultimately strengthened, and she discovers that true belonging comes from honesty and vulnerability. Riley's journey from resentment to gratitude, from isolation to connection, is complete.
Family, Forgiveness, and Friendship
With her dad recovering and the musical saved, Riley embraces her new reality. She reconciles with Nathan, confessing her feelings and finding that he feels the same. Their relationship, once built on pretense, becomes real and deeply meaningful. Riley's friendships flourish, and she finds joy in both gaming and theater. Her parents, once at odds, come together to support her, and Riley learns to balance her passions, her relationships, and her sense of self. The story ends with Riley surrounded by love, laughter, and the promise of new adventures.
The Show Must Go On
Months later, Riley and her friends prepare for the spring musical, now a reality thanks to their hard work and determination. The D&D group is stronger than ever, and Riley's relationship with Nathan is filled with warmth, humor, and mutual support. The store, once a symbol of punishment, is now a place of belonging and joy. Riley's journey has come full circle: from exile to acceptance, from resentment to love, from fear to courage. The curtain rises on a new chapter, and Riley steps into the spotlight, ready for whatever comes next.
Love, Level-Ups, and New Beginnings
As Riley looks ahead, she sees a world of opportunity: musicals, games, friendships, and love. She's learned that growth comes from embracing change, that family can be chosen as well as given, and that the best adventures are the ones shared with others. With Nathan by her side, Hoshiko as her steadfast friend, and her parents cheering her on, Riley is ready to face whatever challenges and joys the future holds. The story ends not with an ending, but with a beginning—a promise that the best is yet to come.
Analysis
Dungeons and Drama is a heartfelt, witty exploration of identity, belonging, and the messy, beautiful intersections of passion and community. Kristy Boyce crafts a narrative that speaks to the universal adolescent longing for acceptance—by friends, family, and oneself—while celebrating the power of creativity and collaboration. The novel's clever use of fake dating and role-playing as both plot engine and metaphor allows for a nuanced examination of authenticity: how we perform for others, and how we learn to drop the mask. Riley's journey from resentment and isolation to connection and self-acceptance is both specific and universal, resonating with anyone who has ever felt out of place or misunderstood. The story's embrace of found family, its celebration of both theater and gaming, and its insistence that joy can be found in unexpected places make it a modern coming-of-age classic. Ultimately, Dungeons and Drama reminds us that growth comes from vulnerability, that love is worth the risk, and that the show—onstage and off—must always go on.
Review Summary
Dungeons and Drama has an overall rating of 4.09/5, with most readers praising its adorable fake-dating trope, charming characters, and fun blend of musical theater and D&D elements. Reviewers highlight the sweet romance between Riley and Nathan, the relatable family dynamics, and the accessible portrayal of both worlds. Many recommend the audiobook narrated by Eva Kaminsky. Critical reviews cite underdeveloped characters, simple writing, or feeling too mature for YA romance. The vibrant cover frequently drew readers in, and many compare it favorably to Better Than the Movies.
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Characters
Riley Morris
Riley is a theater-obsessed high school junior whose impulsive choices set the story in motion. Her love for musicals is matched only by her stubbornness and her struggle to forgive her father for the family's breakup. Forced to work at her dad's game store, Riley is initially resistant, but her journey is one of growth, vulnerability, and self-discovery. She learns to bridge the gap between her passions and her family, finding unexpected joy in new friendships and the world of gaming. Riley's arc is about embracing change, letting go of resentment, and learning that belonging can be found in the most unlikely places.
Nathan Wheeler
Nathan is Riley's reluctant coworker and eventual fake boyfriend. A gamer at heart, Nathan is sharp-tongued and initially dismissive of Riley, but beneath his sarcasm lies a deep loyalty to his friends and a longing for connection. His home life is marked by absence and self-reliance, making the store his true refuge. Nathan's journey is one of opening up, risking vulnerability, and discovering that he deserves love and happiness. His relationship with Riley evolves from antagonism to genuine affection, and he becomes her partner in both games and life.
Hoshiko
Hoshiko is Riley's best friend and theater soulmate. A gifted performer with a gentle spirit, Hoshiko is Riley's anchor throughout the story. She provides unwavering support, honest feedback, and a sense of stability amid chaos. Hoshiko's own journey involves stepping into the spotlight, embracing her talents, and finding love with Lucas. Her friendship with Riley is a model of loyalty, empathy, and mutual growth.
Joel (Riley's Dad)
Joel is the owner of Sword and Board Games and the catalyst for Riley's punishment. His devotion to gaming cost him his marriage, but he finds fulfillment in the community he's built at the store. Joel struggles to communicate with Riley, haunted by guilt and a desire to reconnect. His health scare becomes a turning point, forcing honesty and reconciliation. Joel's arc is about learning to express love, accept change, and support Riley's passions.
Shannon (Riley's Mom)
Shannon is Riley's mother, an interior designer who values order and responsibility. She is both Riley's confidante and disciplinarian, struggling to balance support with boundaries. Shannon's relationship with Riley is close but complicated by the divorce and her own feelings of jealousy. Through the story, she learns to let go, trust Riley's judgment, and embrace the messiness of growth.
Paul
Paul is Riley's ex-boyfriend and the golden boy of the theater department. His breakup with Riley is a catalyst for much of her emotional turmoil. Paul's need for validation and his inability to let go of Riley create tension and drama. Ultimately, he serves as a foil to Nathan, highlighting the difference between superficial charm and genuine connection.
Sophia
Sophia is the object of Nathan's initial affection and a source of jealousy and competition. Her presence in the D&D group complicates relationships and drives much of the fake dating plot. Sophia's own motivations are ambiguous, and she represents the allure of the unattainable and the dangers of chasing what cannot be had.
Lucas
Lucas is a regular at the store and a member of the D&D group. He becomes a bridge between Riley and the gaming world, welcoming her and supporting her efforts. Lucas's own arc involves stepping into leadership, pursuing his feelings for Hoshiko, and finding confidence in himself.
Anthony
Anthony is the comic relief of the D&D group, always ready with a joke or a flirtatious comment. Beneath his bravado, he is a steadfast friend who supports Riley and Nathan through their ups and downs. Anthony's lightness balances the story's heavier moments.
John
John is the most dedicated gamer in the group, often single-minded and intense. His commitment to the game and his friends is unwavering, and he brings a sense of purpose and focus to the group's adventures. John's presence underscores the importance of community and shared passion.
Plot Devices
Fake Dating and Role-Playing
The central plot device is the fake dating pact between Riley and Nathan, which mirrors the role-playing of D&D. Both characters use performance as a shield, hiding their true feelings behind scripted interactions. As their act becomes more convincing, the boundaries between acting and authenticity dissolve, forcing them to confront their real emotions. This device allows for comedic misunderstandings, dramatic tension, and ultimately, emotional catharsis.
Parallel Narratives: Theater and Gaming
The story weaves together the worlds of musical theater and tabletop gaming, using each as a metaphor for the other. Both are spaces of creativity, collaboration, and self-expression, and both offer Riley a path to connection and growth. The parallel narratives highlight the universality of longing for acceptance and the transformative power of community.
Found Family and Community Support
Riley's journey is marked by the discovery that family is not just biological, but chosen. The store's regulars, her D&D group, and her theater friends become a support network that sustains her through hardship. The community's rallying around the musical's revival demonstrates the impact of collective action and the importance of showing up for one another.
Foreshadowing and Mirroring
The D&D campaign often mirrors the characters' real-life struggles: teamwork, risk, betrayal, and redemption. Riley's bard character, her musical performances, and the group's battles foreshadow her own journey toward self-acceptance and courage. The narrative structure uses these parallels to deepen emotional resonance and highlight character growth.
Reconciliation and Emotional Honesty
The story's emotional arc is driven by the need for honesty: between Riley and her parents, between Riley and Nathan, and within herself. The plot uses moments of crisis—her dad's health scare, the musical's cancellation, the fake dating fallout—to force characters into vulnerability and reconciliation. These breakthroughs are the true victories of the story.
