Two Can Play is an enemies-to-lovers spicy romance novel by bestselling author Ali Hazelwood. At the time of publishing this guide, the story was only available in audiobook format.
Here’s more about the book, along with our free Dirty Dozen downloadable discussion guide for your spicy book club.
Book description
Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime: to design a video game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem? Her co-lead is Jesse F-ing Andrews, a.k.a. her arch-nemesis. Jesse has made it abundantly clear over the years that he wants nothing to do with her–and Viola has no idea why.
When their bosses insist a wintery retreat is the perfect team-building exercise, Viola can’t think of anything worse. Being freezing cold in a remote mountain lodge knowing Jesse is right next door? No, thank you.
But as the snow piles on, Viola discovers there’s more to Jesse than she knew, and heat builds in more ways than one.
Two Can Play book club discussion guide
**PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS DISCUSSION GUIDE MIGHT INCLUDE SPOILERS**
We’ve provided the Dirty Dozen below; twelve spicy and intriguing questions to spark discussion and help you uncover the spine-tingling depths of the story.
The Dirty Dozen
Foreplay – Warm Up Questions
1. What’s the overall spice level? 1 (Not Spicy) – 10 (Spiciest Thing I’ve Ever Read)?
2. How does the spice level compare to the other books we’ve read together?
3. There’s a drinking game in this book. Play a drinking game during this book club. Pick a word (or phrase) and whenever it’s said during the group you have to take a drink; all drinks of choice welcome – cocktails, mocktails, coffee drinks, water, etc.
The Spicy Bits – Gettin’ Down and Dirty with the Plot
4. Ever had a cheeky fling or a “work conference romance” that made things awkward or unforgettable? How do you think Jesse and Viola’s work dynamics spice up or complicate their attraction?
5. “The magical wool shed by 30 golden llamas wouldn’t have me taking that job.” What’s the wildest job, relationship, or book plot you’d dodge no matter how magical the incentive? Spill the tea!
6. Unrequited love bites hard. Have you ever been caught in that sting? How did it shape your outlook on love, friendship, or self-worth?
7. “Why don’t families have HR Departments? I’d file the sh*t out of a complaint.” What’s your all-time favorite snarky or relatable line from the book—and why did it hit home?
8. The reveal of Limerence’s premise—that the characters are destined to be “apart and yet together forever”—was a mind-bender. Would you read a book with that kind of bittersweet twist? What does it say about fate, timing, and love?
9. Jesse wears his heart on his sleeve way more than Viola does. Agree or nah? How does their emotional openness (or lack thereof) affect their connection and your rooting interest?
10. What did you think of that hot tub scene?
11. The constant “Is this okay?” during sex scenes—was it a refreshing nod to consent, a cute quirk, or did it make them seem a little too nervous? How important is that kind of communication in sexy scenes for you?
Aftercare – Final Thoughts
12. The slow burn romance here is a marathon, not a sprint. Did you savor the buildup, get impatient, or want to fast-forward? How does a slow burn affect your connection to characters and their story?
Bonus: What questions do you have for the author? If you could dog-ear a page with a question for the author, what would it be?
Please feel free to use this post as a starting point for your spicy book club discussions and use the comments below to share your thoughts and insights about the book. You can also get a free downloadable copy of the discussion guide using the button below.
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