A rom-com for gamers (and gaymers) with Tara Tai

My guest this week is Tara Tai, whose debut novel SINGLE PLAYER came out this January. It's a queer rom-com about two video game developers who clash over whether or not to include romantic storylines in their blockbuster new game Compass Hollow. Tara and I talked about what it was like for them to write a romance novel about gaming culture, and the similar social stigma of romance and gaming as adult hobbies. What are the key differences between writing a romance novel and a romantic video game storyline, and what games should romance readers play next? Plus, how the immersive experience of video games leads to incredible storytelling at its best… and dangerous fan behavior at its worst.  Follow Tara on Instagram @tarzaparzagagapan, on Bluesky @taratai.com‬, and at their website taratai.com. Purchase SINGLE PLAYER and other romance novels featured on Rebel Ever After in my affiliate Bookshop at bookshop.org/lists/rebel-ever-after Subscribe on Patreon at patreon.com/brosandprose to get access to the brand new Rebel Ever After Discord server, as well as premium episodes of the podcast! Your financial support makes this independent production possible.  My second-chance bisexual romance BUT HOW ARE YOU, REALLY with its beautiful new digital cover is available wherever books are sold and at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel Please remember to RATE AND REVIEW the podcast wherever you like to listen.   Games mentioned include:  Ghost of Yotei Date Everything Dragon Age: The Vielgard Dungeons and dragons Clair Obscur Split Fiction Zelda: Breath of the Wild Stardew Valley The Sims Rollercoaster Tycoon Baldur's Gate Dragon Age Mass Effect Fire Emblem The Last of Us Part I and II   Books mentioned:  Love In Focus, Lyla Lee