Scan barcode
charleyyyyy's review against another edition
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
modock's review
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Drug abuse and Abandonment
Minor: Chronic illness
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 caresepti's review
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Chronic illness, and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism and Child abuse
Minor: Eating disorder
trussell12's review
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
paiges_on_pages's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Anita Kelly's "How You Get The Girl" serves up a winning blend of humor, heart, and sizzling chemistry in this charming workplace rom-com. Set against the backdrop of high school basketball, the story follows Coach Julie Parker as she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Elle Cochrane, a former WNBA player and now her assistant coach. As Julie navigates her attraction to Elle, the two embark on a journey of self-discovery and practice dating that will have readers cheering for their romance.
While the story starts off a bit slow, it quickly gains momentum, capturing the reader's attention with its endearing characters and side plots. Kelly handles the sensitive topic of foster parenting with care and authenticity, adding depth to the narrative. As someone who appreciates a well-executed sports romance, I found myself thoroughly entertained by Julie and Elle's dynamic and relatable journey. "How You Get The Girl" is a delightful read that balances humor and heart, making it a perfect choice for fans of sapphic romances and workplace dramas alike.
While the story starts off a bit slow, it quickly gains momentum, capturing the reader's attention with its endearing characters and side plots. Kelly handles the sensitive topic of foster parenting with care and authenticity, adding depth to the narrative. As someone who appreciates a well-executed sports romance, I found myself thoroughly entertained by Julie and Elle's dynamic and relatable journey. "How You Get The Girl" is a delightful read that balances humor and heart, making it a perfect choice for fans of sapphic romances and workplace dramas alike.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Drug abuse
imstephtacular's review
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
time4tori2read'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? It's complicated
4.0
This was the first book by Anita Kelly that I actually managed to read, and I enjoyed it so much that now I want to go back and read their other books too.
Julie and Elle were wonderful, realistic characters whose flaws and strengths developed in the realistic setting when Elle suddenly becomes guardian of her niece, Vanessa. Originally, I was nervous that it would center too much on Vanessa's journey and detract from the overall plot and budding romance, but it did not. Vanessa's storyline and circumstances gave Elle and Julie the extra seasoning to really enhance this story.
Both Julie and Elle were extremely easy to relate to, and I appreciated the way that Anita Kelly wove in their individual struggles with mental health (Elle), exploration of sexuality (Julie), and acceptance of self. Anita Kelly also authored a celebrity, sports romance that read as so much more than either of those tropes usually bring, and they have set the bar high for additional celebrity- or sports-romances. The conversations were authentic and really resonated with me as a reader. I will be recommending this to others looking for a well-written, enjoyable romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with eARC in exchange for my review and rating.
Julie and Elle were wonderful, realistic characters whose flaws and strengths developed in the realistic setting when Elle suddenly becomes guardian of her niece, Vanessa. Originally, I was nervous that it would center too much on Vanessa's journey and detract from the overall plot and budding romance, but it did not. Vanessa's storyline and circumstances gave Elle and Julie the extra seasoning to really enhance this story.
Both Julie and Elle were extremely easy to relate to, and I appreciated the way that Anita Kelly wove in their individual struggles with mental health (Elle), exploration of sexuality (Julie), and acceptance of self. Anita Kelly also authored a celebrity, sports romance that read as so much more than either of those tropes usually bring, and they have set the bar high for additional celebrity- or sports-romances. The conversations were authentic and really resonated with me as a reader. I will be recommending this to others looking for a well-written, enjoyable romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with eARC in exchange for my review and rating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
addiesbookshelf_'s review
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