The Only Game in Town
by Lacie Waldon
When eccentric philanthropist Jasper Wilhelm dies, his will turns tiny Redford, Georgia, upside down: the townspeople are paired off to compete in a series of games for his fortune. Freelance editor Jess Reid, who gave up New York to stay near her father, is partnered with Carter Barclay, Jasper's polished grandson and an Atlanta financial advisor. The two have very different ideas about the town and about what they want from life. Working together to win, they find an attraction neither planned for. A cheerful, quirky small-town rom-com about community and home.
About This Book
The Only Game in Town is a contemporary romance novel by Lacie Waldon, first published in 2023 by G.P. Putnam's Sons. It runs 416 pages. Readers can expect forced proximity.
At a glance
- Genre
- Contemporary
- Trope
- Forced Proximity
- Length
- 416 pages
- Format
- Paperback
Where to read or listen
Get The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon
These store links are affiliate links (Amazon, Audible, Bookshop.org and Libro.fm). As an Amazon Associate, Eikna earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Why You May Love This Book
You may love this if…
- When an eccentric philanthropist leaves a bizarre legacy, two opposites are forced into a high-stakes competition in a small Georgia town.
- Fans of quirky small-town romances
- Readers who enjoy forced proximity setups
- Uplifting
- Features Forced Proximity
This may not be ideal if…
- Limited information on character depth or romantic development trajectory
The Romance
Tropes, dynamics, and the chemistry that drives this story.
Tropes
Relationship Dynamics
Details
Type: Contemporary Rom-Com
Pairing: unknown
Power balance: Balanced; both are active participants in a competition.
How It Feels
The emotional landscape you'll move through while reading.
Moderate comfort, moderate humor.
Heat Level
Based on available metadata and editorial review.
Who Is This Book For?
Best for
Reading mood
Recommended audience: Adult contemporary romance readers.
Content Guidance
The Story
Spoiler-Free Synopsis
In Redford, Georgia, the death of Jasper Wilhelm triggers a chaotic series of events: his will requires the townspeople to pair off and compete in games to win his wealth. Jess Reid, a local freelance editor, is matched with Carter Barclay, the decedent's grandson and an Atlanta-based financial advisor. As they navigate their conflicting worldviews and aspirations, the competitive pressure creates an undeniable personal connection.
Central Conflict
The forced proximity of a competition for a fortune between two individuals with clashing values and life goals.
Setting
Redford, Georgia
Strengths
- Clear, hook-driven premise
- Strong established setting
Consider before reading
- Limited information on character depth or romantic development trajectory
Discussion Guide
Questions to deepen your reading experience or spark a book club conversation.
- 1
How does the central conflict shape the relationship between the main characters?
- 2
How does the setting influence the characters' decisions and their relationship?
- 3
How do the relationship dynamics evolve throughout the story?
- 4
Who would you most want to recommend this book to?
- 5
How did the pacing affect your reading experience?
- 6
Which aspect of the story did you find most compelling?
How This Profile Was Created
Eikna uses book metadata and AI-assisted analysis to create structured romance profiles. Public profiles are reviewed and approved by an editor before publication.
- Editor reviewed:
- Yes
- Last reviewed:
- October 13, 2026
- Confidence:
- Moderate confidence
- Profile version:
- eikna-public-book-intelligence-v1
About the Author
Lacie Waldon
What Readers Say
No reviews yet
Be the first to share what you thought of this book.
Publication Details
- Publisher
- G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Format
- Paperback
- Length
- 416 pages
- Language
- English
- ISBN-13
- 9780593540800
The Only Game in Town: quick answers
- Who wrote The Only Game in Town?
- The Only Game in Town was written by Lacie Waldon.
- When was The Only Game in Town published?
- The Only Game in Town was first published in 2023 by G.P. Putnam's Sons.
- What genre is The Only Game in Town?
- The Only Game in Town is a contemporary romance novel, with forced proximity.
- How many pages is The Only Game in Town?
- The Only Game in Town is 416 pages long (Paperback).
Are you the author? Verify your author profile to manage this book.
This is my book — sign inWhere to read or listen
Get The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon
These store links are affiliate links (Amazon, Audible, Bookshop.org and Libro.fm). As an Amazon Associate, Eikna earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Want more books like this?
Let Lyra help you discover lesbian romance books that match your exact mood, favorite tropes, and reading style.