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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
šI 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.
šI 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.
āļøAs 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.
š“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!
šIt 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.
šIt was easy to read, quick and entertaining, which was perfect for when I was preparing for my prelims and needed something to relax with.
āļøAnd 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.
šI would recommend if you want an easy sapphic romance with a focus on sport and the charicters emotional struggles.
šI 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.
āļøAs 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.
š“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!
šIt 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.
šIt was easy to read, quick and entertaining, which was perfect for when I was preparing for my prelims and needed something to relax with.
āļøAnd 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.
šI 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 ā¢ W O R D S
Mature ā¢ Charming ā¢ Authentic
š S Y N O P S I S
When smart-mouthed Vanessa Lerner joins the high school basketball team Julie Parker coaches, Julieās ready for the challenge. What sheās not ready for is Vanessaās new foster parent, Elle Cochraneāformer 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 Vanessaāand 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 sportsābeing able to practice firstāit 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 gameāor retreat to the sidelines.
š 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.
š R E C O M M E N D ā¢ T O
ā¢ women's basketball fans
ā¢ readers looking for queer romance
ā ļø 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
š F A V O U R I T E ā¢ Q U O T E S
"That labels werenāt meant to confine, only to bring comfort to those for whom they were useful. That Julie didnāt need to ascribe to any of them, if she didnāt want to"
"Any relationship thatās worthwhile, whether itās 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 ā¢ W O R D S
Mature ā¢ Charming ā¢ Authentic
š S Y N O P S I S
When smart-mouthed Vanessa Lerner joins the high school basketball team Julie Parker coaches, Julieās ready for the challenge. What sheās not ready for is Vanessaās new foster parent, Elle Cochraneāformer 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 Vanessaāand 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 sportsābeing able to practice firstāit 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 gameāor retreat to the sidelines.
š 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.
š R E C O M M E N D ā¢ T O
ā¢ women's basketball fans
ā¢ readers looking for queer romance
ā ļø 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
š F A V O U R I T E ā¢ Q U O T E S
"That labels werenāt meant to confine, only to bring comfort to those for whom they were useful. That Julie didnāt need to ascribe to any of them, if she didnāt want to"
"Any relationship thatās worthwhile, whether itās 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 caretrussell12's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Sexual content, Cursing, Mental illness, and Addiction
hazelgirl21's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness and Addiction
Minor: Abandonment
queerafictionado's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS BOOK! Anita Kelly does it again! I donāt even know where to begin. I absolutely adored Julie Parker and Elle Cochrane - their chemistry was palpable and oozed off the page. The way Elle just completely understood Julie. Like she could see the thoughts swirling in her head and respond without them needing to be named. Her patience and reassurance and understanding and total respect of Julie and her journey of self discovery even while she grappled with her own inner battles. The way Julie slowly began to let Elle into her life and heart, allowing herself to be vulnerable. And how she showed up for Elle over and over - no questions asked, no judgment, no pushing. The way their energies always seemed to shift in a positive way whenever they were together. The story was emotional and powerful, but also fun and playful. And I adored every moment, every word, every single part of it!
Their journey wasnāt without hiccups and bumps. But thatās to be expected when you have characters like Julie and Elle. And while there were definitely moments where some communication could have helped, it wasnāt done in the typical way miscommunication tropes are often written. It felt true to who these characters were and their journeys - necessary moments for their growth in the story. It felt real and authentic and honest. Elleās and Julieās souls are laid bare on the pages of this book.
I loved witnessing each of their individual journeys. Julieās exploration of her sexual identity and trying to figure out who she was. Her worries about needing to find the right label and struggling to make sense of the things she felt and didnāt feel and what it all meant. And to discern what the parts of this journey were that truly mattered. Elleās struggle with migraines and depression, and suddenly finding herself caring for her teenage niece. Reconnecting with basketball after years of removing herself from the world that once defined her. Trying to figure out where she wanted to go in life that wasnāt just running from something else, that was more about passion and fulfillment than mere stability. Both of them beginning to discover the difference between simply existingā¦and actually living.
Anita also handled some big subjects with extreme care - like depression, the impact of addiction on families, and the inclusion of trans/non-binary folx in sports. These themes were woven throughout the book in big and small ways that helped bring light to these topics without sensationalizing or trivializing them, adding to the overall story in meaningful ways.
GAH! I just freaking loved this book! So much. Iām rambling now though. So Iāll leave it there. But I highly recommend this book! The first book in the series (Love & Other Disasters) is Julieās twin sibling Londonās story and it was equally amazing! Now I need to go read Benās story (which has been on my TBR) and basically everything else Anita Kelly ever writes! š
š³ļøāšRep: Aspec FMC, Lesbian FMC, POC, Queer, and Non-binary SCs
šTropes/Themes: Sapphic Rom Com, Sports Romance, Practice Dating, Childhood Crush, Athlete, Coach, Found Family, Self Discovery, Foster Parent
ā ļøTW/CW: anxiety, depression, sexual content, mentions of addiction, foster care, mention of injury
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Addiction
imstephtacular's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Sexual content, Cursing, and Drug use
Minor: Abandonment, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Acephobia/Arophobia, Eating disorder, Grief, and Transphobia
mbichaela's review against another edition
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
4.0
ENG
Cute but did not live up to previous books in my mind but it does not mean it's not a fantastic romance. The self-discovery aspect added depth to the whole romance and banter both mcs had. The author created a safe space for different topics.
(diversity: lgbtq+ mcs and side characters)
Cute but did not live up to previous books in my mind but it does not mean it's not a fantastic romance. The self-discovery aspect added depth to the whole romance and banter both mcs had. The author created a safe space for different topics.
(diversity: lgbtq+ mcs and side characters)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment and Addiction
greatestheights's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This universe and its characters are so perfect.
Here for all the rep ā and Elle's experience with depression is the closest depiction to how my own works that I've ever seen, in fiction or real life.
Here for all the rep ā and Elle's experience with depression is the closest depiction to how my own works that I've ever seen, in fiction or real life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Addiction
Foster careaddiesbookshelf_'s review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
āBut that when it came to identity, when it came to queerness, the whole point was that there were no tryouts. If you were even thinking about it, you were already on the team.ā
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for providing an advanced reader copy of this book!
Summary: Julie Parker never expected her former idol to show up in the gym of the high school basketball team that she coaches, but thatās exactly what happens one day when a new girl joins the team and her aunt/new foster parent come to pick her up. Elle Cochrane, meanwhile, never thought that he reintroduction to basketball after eight years would be assistant coaching a high school basketball team and thinking that the head coach was too cute for words. And when Julie admits to Elle that sheās never been in a relationship and just wishes that she could have some practice, it only makes sense that Elle would be the one to help her out, right?
What I liked: As always, Anita Kelly blew me away with how fun, cute, and earnest this book was. I absolutely fell in love with both Julie and Elle from the beginning, and I had such a good time watching their story unfold. In particular, I thought that Julie was the sweetest and I really identified with her journey of figuring out her identity and feeling sure of it all for a long time. I also really loved just how down bad Elle was for Julie from the beginning.
Another real highlight of this book were all of the side characters. I loved not only getting to spend more time with London, Dahlia, Ben, and Alexei from the first two books in the series, but I became instantly obsessed with Vanessa (Elleās foster kid) and the entire basketball team. In particular, when Vanessa said that āIf you and coach donāt get married by the end of the season the entire team is going to be disappointed,ā I absolutely cracked up laughing.
What I didnāt like: If had to choose one thing I didnāt like about this book, it was the fact that, after they started practice dating and it became pretty clear that it *wasnāt* practice for either of them, the road to actually dating for real was really long and kind of wonky. It just left the vibes in the last portion of the book feeling a little weird. But all in all, I still really enjoyed this and highly recommend, like I always will with an Anita Kelly book!
Read this if you love:
š Sapphics playing sports
š Sapphics simping for each other
š Earnest love stories
š Sassy and on-the-nose teenagers
Genre/Type: Contemporary Romance
Format: Physical š
Length: 384 pages
Rating: āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spice: š¶ļø
Series or standalone: Series
Tropes or themes: Fake dating/practice dating, sports romance, queer awakening (kind of)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia