[Review] Conventionally Yours - Annabeth Albert

Summary: Conrad Stewart and Alden Parks are enemies, and that's the way it's always been. But when they're stuck together on a cross-country road trip to the biggest fan convention of their lives, the competition takes a backseat as unexpected feelings blossom. Yet each boy has a reason why they have to win the upcoming con tournament and neither is willing to let emotion get in the way—even if it means giving up their one chance at something truly magical. (Pub Date: Jun 02, 2020)


Road trips, RPG games, and a cute from enemies-to-lovers rom-com. Plus, some very nice art in the middle.

Conrand and Alden could never stand each other, although they're part of a group that plays the popular card game Odyssey. Due to fate, they need to cross the country together in a car, all by themselves, and face each other in a competition, if they want to become pro players. And losing isn't an option to neither now their professional lives hit a very big wall.

Stories about rivalries can start too silly, because we've already seen it all, it's hard to innovate without losing it. It's not that this book innovates with their bickering, but I think they used the right dose to show us how and more importantly why the two won't get along. They simply don't know each other enough, and the trip is the perfect trigger for their romance.

And what a cute romance! They not only had chemistry, they were really, really cute together. Alden has problems socializing, he simply can't understand things if it's not literally, among other issues. And Conrad is simply very loud, outgoing. But what makes them get on one another's nerves is also the reason they complement each other so well.

Although there is one or two hotter scenes, this isn't really that kind of book, which is even better for me, I like how this was focused on their romance and not on how well they get along in bed.

Another point to notice is that the book also talks about the fictional game Odyssey. Annabeth Albert was careful to describe the battles, the cards, she really didn't just want to make yet another romance. On the other hand, this made the book much longer than you'd imagine. I found it fun and kept wondering who'd win and even cheer for each of the main characters, but if you like more dynamic romances, this could get in your way. Also, I have never played card games, but because of the details Albert used, I could understand it well; don't worry if they're not your thing either.

What I always love about her books, and this had it as well, is the family aspect. Both Conrad and Alden have challenges to face with their families and even though it's not the main plot, the author was careful to develop and write a conclusion to each of these issues. Look forward.

This is a romcom for those who want to take their time with their reads. I know it's possible but I think this isn't a book to finish in one sitting. I could say it's pun intended with the road trip plot—which takes more of the book than the convention itself—, but this is a book for you to enjoy the ride.

Since I read the ARC, I could only enjoy one of the arts made especially for the story. But I loved the idea and I can't wait to see everything in the final product. It was very cute and fit the story really well!

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Edelweiss. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Rating: 4 out of 5.