Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How did you react to the central misunderstanding that kept Viola and Jesse apart for six years? Did you find it a compelling engine for an enemies-to-lovers story, or did it feel frustrating or unbelievable at times?

2. Ali Hazelwood is well known for her “STEMinist” romances like The Love Hypothesis (2021) and Love, Theoretically (2023). If you’ve read her other work, how did Two Can Play compare for you? What elements do you see as part of her signature style, and how does this novella fit into her larger body of work?

3. What was your take on the pacing of the story, especially given its novella length? Did the relationship between Viola and Jesse develop at a pace that felt earned and satisfying to you?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. The Limerence Saga is deeply connected to Viola’s memories of her father, making the game adaptation a personal mission for her. Think about a story, game, or movie that holds a special significance for you. What makes that connection so meaningful?

2. Viola initially misinterprets Jesse’s quietness and avoidance as dislike. Think about a time when your first impression of someone turned out to be completely different from who they really were. What caused you to see them in a new light?

3. How did Jesse’s choice to stay away from Viola for years, believing he was respecting her boundaries, strike you? Have you ever had to navigate a situation where you weren’t sure how to interpret someone’s signals or wishes?

4. The story highlights intense rivalries between the FlyButter and Nephilim studios that are tangled up with personal histories. Reflect on a time you’ve been part of a team, either at work or elsewhere. How do group dynamics and past conflicts shape the ability to collaborate?

5. Sharing their love of The Limerence Sage deepens and strengthens Viola and Jesse’s relationship. Have you ever built a relationship based on a shared passion? How did it affect your connection?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novella is set within the high-pressure video game industry, touching on issues like “crunch culture” and gender discrimination. How does this portrayal compare to what you know or have heard about the tech and gaming worlds? 

2. What does the novella suggest about the challenges women face in male-dominated creative fields? Consider Viola’s early interview experience, where her portfolio was dismissed. In what ways does her journey reflect broader conversations about gender in the workplace?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The narrative relies on Viola’s perspective, framing Jesse as a cold antagonist for much of the story. How does this first-person viewpoint shape your experience of the central conflict and the theme of misperception?

2. Think about the supporting characters like Ethan, Mike, Otto, and John. How do they function to either complicate the central relationship or help bring Viola and Jesse together?

3. How did getting Jesse’s perspective in the bonus chapter change your understanding of the story’s key events, like their first meeting or the mistletoe incident? Why do you think the author chose to save his viewpoint for the end?

4. The fictional The Limerence Saga centers on a tragic love story between cursed, reincarnated lovers. In what ways does this fictional plot mirror or comment on Viola and Jesse’s own long-standing, uncommunicated feelings for each other?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you were tasked with designing a new cover for The Sunken Heart, the first book in The Limerence Saga. Based on its themes of tragic love and a magical curse, what imagery, colors, and style would you use to capture the book’s essence?

2. Viola and Jesse come up with an idea for an alternate, happier path for the characters in their game. If you could write a bonus scene for Two Can Play set five years after the story ends, what would Viola and Jesse’s professional and personal lives look like?

3. If you were one of the employees from either FlyButter or Nephilim at the retreat, what would you have thought about the sudden alliance between Viola and Jesse after their public declaration? Describe the scene from your character’s point of view.