A review by fanboyriot
Backhanded Compliments by Katie Chandler

lighthearted 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

3.5

This was a cute rivals to lovers vibes with a nice soulmate mark twist to it.  I liked the hate-to-love pacing with this story, not only did the tennis/sports talk balance well with the romance and spice but it was also nice and queer too.

Following the life of two women in professional tennis the plot thickens when the rivals learn who their soulmate is.  Naturally ignoring the fact they have each other’s name written along their wrist, because there can’t possibly be a world where the two could get along let alone be the perfect match for each other.  Will the enemies turn into lovers or will they continue to hate one another?

(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)

Read For
✓ Sapphic 
✓ Rivals to Lovers 
✓ Soulmate Marks
✓ Forced Proximity
✓ Professional Tennis

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sad Level: 💧

Plot: 6/10
Pace: 6/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 6/10
Enjoyability: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Would I Recommend? Yes
Favorite Character: Luca

Favorite Quote:  ❝“I’m taking control of my life and my career.”❞  (-uncorrected proof, the quote may change once published)

POV: Duel, Third Person
Pages: 368
Format: ebook
Language: English
Release Date: 10, June 2025
Rep/Extras: LGBTQIA+ main and side characters, a soulmate world where your soulmate will have their name on your wrist and once you touch it turns from black to gold, some people don’t have soulmates but most seem to.
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