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zgreyz's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cute stuff. love the ace/demi/questioning labels rep. and i love that characters from anita’s other books are still here as side characters too. some parts of this felt awkward to me, and not in the awkward charming way they were meant. specifically the convo at the vets office, it just felt very random and out of nowhere, and situationally awkward elle just kept pushing to talk about relationship stuff while julie’s cat was in surgery. felt like really weird timing and low key taking advantage of julie’s fragile state at the time.
also, i don’t love the asking for consent after you’re already doing the thing that often happened in this book. kinda defeats the purpose of asking consent.
overall a fun read though, even as someone who doesn’t follow sports at all.
also, i don’t love the asking for consent after you’re already doing the thing that often happened in this book. kinda defeats the purpose of asking consent.
overall a fun read though, even as someone who doesn’t follow sports at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Mental illness
Minor: Abandonment and Addiction
emmas_bookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is such a wonderful sapphic book that manages to have lightheartedness and humor while still touching on heavy topics (addiction, foster parenting, being unsure of your sexuality, and more). I loved Julie, Elle and Vanessa and was rooting for all of the characters to find their own happiness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcoholism, and Addiction
bookcasey's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I read it all in one day. Another queer delight from Anita Kelly that manages to tackle some tough, meaningful topics while still celebrating queer joy and love and self-discovery.
Could be read as a stand-alone, but contains major spoilers for the previous two books.
Could be read as a stand-alone, but contains major spoilers for the previous two books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Mental illness and Addiction
btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This is my first Anita Kelly book and it was okay. I want to say it was amazing, but unfortunately it just didn't click right with me, which is hugely disappointing since it had everything I basically like (outside of the main trope, which didn't click as the main trope until I was in it).
Immediately, I got hooked on the writing. The story started off strong but their brains being abuzz over one another immediately turned me off. I appreciated both of their respect for one another - green flag characters all around - but the fangirly-ness of it all was not for me (the whole love arc takes place across 2 months only).
Then there was the practice dating. I'm not usually a practice dating kind of person, the trope is very hit or miss for me, and this time around it was a miss. The priorities felt off and some of it felt way too fast, but again that might be a me problem.
I did like the mental health discussion, the chats about feeling behind because of a lack of dating (and possibly being aro/ace/demi), and the feeling of being mildly directionless, but for some reason it just didn't gel with me like these discussions usually would (cause hi, directionless, mentally ill demi here). I did love the reassurance that no label is really needed though, that was very gratifying. Also, the MC's relationships were also really well developed (though maybe the large cast was part of why I didn't love it??). Both MCs have full lives - family who they love and interact with, friends who pop in and help them through problems - and I loved that they had that, but it was a lot of take in. Maybe if I'd read the first two books I would have had a better handle on all the secondary characters.
Like I said, the writing was good, but something just didn't click for me and I'm as disappointed by that as you probably are. Might give their other books a try one day, but this was just okay for me.
Rep: sapphic, MC with depression and chronic migraines, MC questioning
TW: sexual content; mentions drug abuse, addiction, parental neglect
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 2/5
Overall: 3/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Forever in exchange for an honest review.
Immediately, I got hooked on the writing. The story started off strong but their brains being abuzz over one another immediately turned me off. I appreciated both of their respect for one another - green flag characters all around - but the fangirly-ness of it all was not for me (the whole love arc takes place across 2 months only).
Then there was the practice dating. I'm not usually a practice dating kind of person, the trope is very hit or miss for me, and this time around it was a miss. The priorities felt off and some of it felt way too fast, but again that might be a me problem.
I did like the mental health discussion, the chats about feeling behind because of a lack of dating (and possibly being aro/ace/demi), and the feeling of being mildly directionless, but for some reason it just didn't gel with me like these discussions usually would (cause hi, directionless, mentally ill demi here). I did love the reassurance that no label is really needed though, that was very gratifying. Also, the MC's relationships were also really well developed (though maybe the large cast was part of why I didn't love it??). Both MCs have full lives - family who they love and interact with, friends who pop in and help them through problems - and I loved that they had that, but it was a lot of take in. Maybe if I'd read the first two books I would have had a better handle on all the secondary characters.
Like I said, the writing was good, but something just didn't click for me and I'm as disappointed by that as you probably are. Might give their other books a try one day, but this was just okay for me.
Rep: sapphic, MC with depression and chronic migraines, MC questioning
TW: sexual content; mentions drug abuse, addiction, parental neglect
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 2/5
Overall: 3/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Forever in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Abandonment, Addiction, and Drug abuse
hannahmichele5's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I picked this for a local romance bookclub without having even read it because I trust Anita Kelly with my life and, as always, they delivered! The yearning, self-discovery, found-family, basketball, hot gays, mental health rep, steamy scenes, etc. had me constantly bouncing between giggly and getting teary eyed. Also, if any of you have been wanting to "practice kiss" me against an Italian restaurant, JUST SAY SO!
Thanks to Forever for sending me an advanced copy! Anita, I hope you never stop writing books. <3
Thanks to Forever for sending me an advanced copy! Anita, I hope you never stop writing books. <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
deetabz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Alcoholism, Addiction, Drug abuse, and Mental illness
Minor: Abandonment, Alcohol, and Transphobia
auteaandtales's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
My first Anita Kelly book and I’ve been missing out! The writing was so warm and engaging, everything felt so real, and I love that the author let us spend some extra time getting to know people and having intimate moments not just with the main characters but with the other characters, as well. This isn’t something I read a lot in romances and I loved that. Everyone was so caring and full of love for each other with empathy and compassion.
There’s stuff like figuring things out later on in life such as your sexuality and a career change, which I love! I hate that we have to know who we are and what we want so early on in life and things don’t realistically work out like that, a lot of the time. I especially loved the asexual rep. I rarely see it in adult romances and it brought so much joy to my heart.
Alongside that, there’s also rep for chronic migraine sufferers, nonbinary people, depression, lesbians and foster parents! With some heavier themes, also, that involve addiction and parental neglect. It was heavy but very well handled.
There was also lots of emphasis on consent, in all contexts, and about how whoever you are is whoever you are and it’s all okay.
All in all, a mostly comforting read that made me feel loved and supported with some heavier topics that were handled with all the respect they should have been handled with. I can’t wait to read more from Anita Kelly!!
There’s stuff like figuring things out later on in life such as your sexuality and a career change, which I love! I hate that we have to know who we are and what we want so early on in life and things don’t realistically work out like that, a lot of the time. I especially loved the asexual rep. I rarely see it in adult romances and it brought so much joy to my heart.
Alongside that, there’s also rep for chronic migraine sufferers, nonbinary people, depression, lesbians and foster parents! With some heavier themes, also, that involve addiction and parental neglect. It was heavy but very well handled.
There was also lots of emphasis on consent, in all contexts, and about how whoever you are is whoever you are and it’s all okay.
All in all, a mostly comforting read that made me feel loved and supported with some heavier topics that were handled with all the respect they should have been handled with. I can’t wait to read more from Anita Kelly!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Abandonment, and Addiction
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Abandonment, Addiction, and Medical content
charleyyyyy's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
🏀I was so excited for this book because of how much I loved the previous books in this series. So while it wasn't my favourite, I still had a great time reading it.
🐘I didn't find myself incredibly invested in the romance. I didn't feel the charicters connection all that strongly, and their feelings for each other felt a bit forced. I thought the whole 'practice relationship' aspect felt a bit....off. I did enjoy the way their romance was written, though, if that makes sense? Like, I enjoyed how it was chill, not overdramatic or over obsessed with each other or anythring. And I love how Kelly writes quiet, vulnerable moments that are full of feeling. I think that's one of the things I love best about Kelly's books.
✏️As well as the way Kelly always puts a large focus on the emotionally difficult things the charicters are going through in their lives. I could really relate and sympathise with the characters in this book because of that. I loved the way it was written. So while I didn't care as much about the romance, I still felt connected to the charicters, and their arcs.
🍴Also, a sapphic book where the characters actually use the word "lesbian"!!!! I also appreciated how Julie had never had sex before but her being a virgin wasn't fetishised or made a big deal of. In fact, the term "virgin" was never even used!
🏀It did feel a bit...old for me. I think it's a better fit for melenials, perhaps. I didn't get the references or the humour.
🐘It was easy to read, quick and entertaining, which was perfect for when I was preparing for my prelims and needed something to relax with.
✏️And I LOVED seeing the characters from the previous books, and what stage their lives and relationships are at now. Some things with them aren't perfect, and I really enjoyed that, it felt comforting. I'm really happy with the parts of them we got to see.
🏀I would recommend if you want an easy sapphic romance with a focus on sport and the charicters emotional struggles.
🐘I didn't find myself incredibly invested in the romance. I didn't feel the charicters connection all that strongly, and their feelings for each other felt a bit forced. I thought the whole 'practice relationship' aspect felt a bit....off. I did enjoy the way their romance was written, though, if that makes sense? Like, I enjoyed how it was chill, not overdramatic or over obsessed with each other or anythring. And I love how Kelly writes quiet, vulnerable moments that are full of feeling. I think that's one of the things I love best about Kelly's books.
✏️As well as the way Kelly always puts a large focus on the emotionally difficult things the charicters are going through in their lives. I could really relate and sympathise with the characters in this book because of that. I loved the way it was written. So while I didn't care as much about the romance, I still felt connected to the charicters, and their arcs.
🍴Also, a sapphic book where the characters actually use the word "lesbian"!!!! I also appreciated how Julie had never had sex before but her being a virgin wasn't fetishised or made a big deal of. In fact, the term "virgin" was never even used!
🏀It did feel a bit...old for me. I think it's a better fit for melenials, perhaps. I didn't get the references or the humour.
🐘It was easy to read, quick and entertaining, which was perfect for when I was preparing for my prelims and needed something to relax with.
✏️And I LOVED seeing the characters from the previous books, and what stage their lives and relationships are at now. Some things with them aren't perfect, and I really enjoyed that, it felt comforting. I'm really happy with the parts of them we got to see.
🏀I would recommend if you want an easy sapphic romance with a focus on sport and the charicters emotional struggles.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Mental illness, Addiction, Blood, and Sexual content
baguettegay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Addiction
kelly_e's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Title: How You Get the Girl
Author: Anita Kelly
Series: Love & Other Disasters #3
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: February 13, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Forever, a division of Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Mature • Charming • Authentic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When smart-mouthed Vanessa Lerner joins the high school basketball team Julie Parker coaches, Julie’s ready for the challenge. What she’s not ready for is Vanessa’s new foster parent, Elle Cochrane—former University of Tennessee basketball star. While star-struck at first, soon Julie persuades Elle to step into the unfilled position of assistant coach for the year.
Even though Elle has stayed out of the basketball world since an injury ended her short-lived WNBA career, the gig might be a way to become closer to Vanessa—and to spend more time with Julie, who makes Elle laugh. As the coaches grow closer, Elle has a hard time understanding how Julie is single. When Julie reveals her lifelong insecurity about dating and how she wishes it was more like sports—being able to practice first—it sparks an intriguing idea. While Elle still doubts her abilities as a basketball coach, helping Julie figure out dating is definitely something she can do. But as the basketball season progresses, and lines grow increasingly blurred, Julie and Elle must decide to join the game—or retreat to the sidelines.
💭 T H O U G H T S
How You Get the Girl, the third book in the Love & Other Disasters series by Anita Kelly, was quickly added to my 2024 most anticipated list after I read (and absolutely adored) Something Wild & Wonderful last year. I was grateful to get access to an eARC ahead of release and went into it completely blind.
Written in dual POVs, this Sapphic romcom introduced the reader to realistic and flawed characters that felt like friends. As a sport fan, I enjoyed the sports content. But I would say it's more sports adjacent than a sports romance. The aspect is fairly present in the beginning, but slowly fades as the narrative progresses. I think my enjoyment level would have been a little higher if the team and school setting would have played a larger role.
Anita Kelly writes and explores depression, chronic illness (migraines), queer identity, and fostering with great care. Certainly lighter in tone than book two, it still unpacks a lot - insecurity, injury, job displeasure, neglect. The chemistry between the two main characters was believable and they were so supportive of one another. I love how there are some real (albeit hard) conversations throughout and the themes of self discovery and found family were both fantastic.
Overall, How You Get the Girl wasn't Something Wild & Wonderful amazing, but it was still a solid romance with depth and great characters. I enjoyed getting a little glimpse into the lives of past characters and I definitely think I will be picking up book one at some point. I will continue to keep my eye on what this author publishes next.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• women's basketball fans
• readers looking for queer romance
⚠️ CW: mental illness, anxiety, depression, addiction, alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorder, chronic illness, sexual content, addiction, foster care, injury/injury detail, abandonment, acephobia/arophobia, cursing
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"That labels weren’t meant to confine, only to bring comfort to those for whom they were useful. That Julie didn’t need to ascribe to any of them, if she didn’t want to"
"Any relationship that’s worthwhile, whether it’s friendship or romantic or sexual, only really works when you try."
Author: Anita Kelly
Series: Love & Other Disasters #3
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: February 13, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Forever, a division of Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Mature • Charming • Authentic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
When smart-mouthed Vanessa Lerner joins the high school basketball team Julie Parker coaches, Julie’s ready for the challenge. What she’s not ready for is Vanessa’s new foster parent, Elle Cochrane—former University of Tennessee basketball star. While star-struck at first, soon Julie persuades Elle to step into the unfilled position of assistant coach for the year.
Even though Elle has stayed out of the basketball world since an injury ended her short-lived WNBA career, the gig might be a way to become closer to Vanessa—and to spend more time with Julie, who makes Elle laugh. As the coaches grow closer, Elle has a hard time understanding how Julie is single. When Julie reveals her lifelong insecurity about dating and how she wishes it was more like sports—being able to practice first—it sparks an intriguing idea. While Elle still doubts her abilities as a basketball coach, helping Julie figure out dating is definitely something she can do. But as the basketball season progresses, and lines grow increasingly blurred, Julie and Elle must decide to join the game—or retreat to the sidelines.
💭 T H O U G H T S
How You Get the Girl, the third book in the Love & Other Disasters series by Anita Kelly, was quickly added to my 2024 most anticipated list after I read (and absolutely adored) Something Wild & Wonderful last year. I was grateful to get access to an eARC ahead of release and went into it completely blind.
Written in dual POVs, this Sapphic romcom introduced the reader to realistic and flawed characters that felt like friends. As a sport fan, I enjoyed the sports content. But I would say it's more sports adjacent than a sports romance. The aspect is fairly present in the beginning, but slowly fades as the narrative progresses. I think my enjoyment level would have been a little higher if the team and school setting would have played a larger role.
Anita Kelly writes and explores depression, chronic illness (migraines), queer identity, and fostering with great care. Certainly lighter in tone than book two, it still unpacks a lot - insecurity, injury, job displeasure, neglect. The chemistry between the two main characters was believable and they were so supportive of one another. I love how there are some real (albeit hard) conversations throughout and the themes of self discovery and found family were both fantastic.
Overall, How You Get the Girl wasn't Something Wild & Wonderful amazing, but it was still a solid romance with depth and great characters. I enjoyed getting a little glimpse into the lives of past characters and I definitely think I will be picking up book one at some point. I will continue to keep my eye on what this author publishes next.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• women's basketball fans
• readers looking for queer romance
⚠️ CW: mental illness, anxiety, depression, addiction, alcoholism, drug abuse, eating disorder, chronic illness, sexual content, addiction, foster care, injury/injury detail, abandonment, acephobia/arophobia, cursing
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"That labels weren’t meant to confine, only to bring comfort to those for whom they were useful. That Julie didn’t need to ascribe to any of them, if she didn’t want to"
"Any relationship that’s worthwhile, whether it’s friendship or romantic or sexual, only really works when you try."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Chronic illness
Moderate: Sexual content, Cursing, and Abandonment
Minor: Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Eating disorder, Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Acephobia/Arophobia
anxiety, depression, foster care