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Love & Other Disasters #3
How You Get the Girl
Chemistry sizzles in this workplace rom-com set in the world of high school basketball from the author of Love & Other Disasters, named a "must-read" by USA Today, PopSugar, SheReads, and Harper Bazaar.
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.
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.
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2024
About the author
Anita Kelly
10 books1,225 followersHi there! I'm a lover of romance of all stripes, and a writer of queer contemporary HEAs, including a forthcoming three-book series published by Forever. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my wife, our kiddo, a cat who loves me a little too much sometimes, and a three-legged dog who's a real dummy with a heart of gold. I love tea and frequently eat too much ice cream and hate myself a little afterwards.
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June 8, 2023Hi friends! This is Basketball Book, as I've been calling it, although I consider it more sports-adjacent than full-on sports romance as there are many other things happening in it, too. It's for my Tennessee queers, my basketball lesbians, my late-bloomers and a-spec friends, my queers who struggle with finding labels that fit. It's also for foster parents, educators, angry teens who are doing their best, and people who hate their jobs but don't know how to get out.
While it can be read as a standalone, it wraps up the series that started with Love & Other Disasters, and previous characters from the series frequently appear, most notably London and Ben (as they are Julie's best friends and this is Julie's Book).
This is lighter in tone (hopefully) than Something Wild & Wonderful, but also has several heavier themes. Content warning for: migraines; foster care; depression; sports injury (ACL tear); addiction and neglect (family member).
While it can be read as a standalone, it wraps up the series that started with Love & Other Disasters, and previous characters from the series frequently appear, most notably London and Ben (as they are Julie's best friends and this is Julie's Book).
This is lighter in tone (hopefully) than Something Wild & Wonderful, but also has several heavier themes. Content warning for: migraines; foster care; depression; sports injury (ACL tear); addiction and neglect (family member).
February 13, 2024
When I had read a few pages of How You Get the Girl, I told a friend it felt like coming home, and they agreed. Anita Kelly’s writing is just so warm and inviting and intimate, and I love, love it so much!
While reading those first pages, I was smiling so, so hard, and a fussy feeling settled itself in my chest, and I immediately knew this would be another amazing five stars. Sh*t, Anita, how are you able to let me feel so much? Time and again, your stories instantly demand a piece of my heart, and that same heart has just been growing bigger and bigger because of you! It almost explodes with love for OMG boob-stained Julie—yes, boob-stained, I’m not kidding—and elephant-loving Elle.
I chuckled and sometimes laughed out loud and just wanted to hide in a cave to keep on reading so there would only be me, myself, and I. And, of course, probably somewhere on the ace spectrum, a little bit or a lot lesbian or whatever Julie (I feel you, but you don’t need a label, Julie, just the right person), and Elle, once such a joyful girl turned into an uptight woman (you can find that lightness back, Elle!).
Real life also needed time, and therefore, it took me a couple of days to finish this fantastic, amazing, stunning, beautiful story, but the power it radiated pulled at me so hard, so incredibly hard. Gasp … Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.
Okay, Anita, I know I’m rambling and fangirling far too much, but WOW, just WOW. I called Something Wild & Wonderful the perfect romance, but it’s much more. You’re just one of the best and maybe the best romance author in the world!
Please preorder this book, everyone, and read it when it comes out in February! It’s so, so good!
Thank you so much for the ARC, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley. It was an honor to read this story early!
While reading those first pages, I was smiling so, so hard, and a fussy feeling settled itself in my chest, and I immediately knew this would be another amazing five stars. Sh*t, Anita, how are you able to let me feel so much? Time and again, your stories instantly demand a piece of my heart, and that same heart has just been growing bigger and bigger because of you! It almost explodes with love for OMG boob-stained Julie—yes, boob-stained, I’m not kidding—and elephant-loving Elle.
I chuckled and sometimes laughed out loud and just wanted to hide in a cave to keep on reading so there would only be me, myself, and I. And, of course, probably somewhere on the ace spectrum, a little bit or a lot lesbian or whatever Julie (I feel you, but you don’t need a label, Julie, just the right person), and Elle, once such a joyful girl turned into an uptight woman (you can find that lightness back, Elle!).
Real life also needed time, and therefore, it took me a couple of days to finish this fantastic, amazing, stunning, beautiful story, but the power it radiated pulled at me so hard, so incredibly hard. Gasp … Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.
Okay, Anita, I know I’m rambling and fangirling far too much, but WOW, just WOW. I called Something Wild & Wonderful the perfect romance, but it’s much more. You’re just one of the best and maybe the best romance author in the world!
Please preorder this book, everyone, and read it when it comes out in February! It’s so, so good!
Thank you so much for the ARC, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley. It was an honor to read this story early!
February 11, 2024
E-ARC generously provided by Forever in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!
4.5 stars. Written tenderly, authentically, and with the exact kind of queer sensibility, Anita Kelly's How You Get The Girl only affirmed to me that they are now one of my go-to romance authors.
4.5 stars. Written tenderly, authentically, and with the exact kind of queer sensibility, Anita Kelly's How You Get The Girl only affirmed to me that they are now one of my go-to romance authors.
April 12, 2024
4,25 stars.
Lovely novel about two women finding their way, getting stronger and sure of where they are heading, while getting closer and falling in love.
Both live with different struggles, such as the care of a teenage relative, depression, doubt of self worth, insecurities about where to belong on the ace spectrum, which kind of queer to identify with, and the question if there even is a need to identify with labels.
Anita Kelly is a exceptional writer. They let me feel the characters' challenges, their moods and doubts, their emotions and strength.
The falling in love is organic, feels natural and never overly sweet.
I love that her characters feel so realistic.
Elle and Julie are wonderful characters and their story was beautiful. And despite the realistic issues, still positive and heartwarming.
Lovely novel about two women finding their way, getting stronger and sure of where they are heading, while getting closer and falling in love.
Both live with different struggles, such as the care of a teenage relative, depression, doubt of self worth, insecurities about where to belong on the ace spectrum, which kind of queer to identify with, and the question if there even is a need to identify with labels.
Anita Kelly is a exceptional writer. They let me feel the characters' challenges, their moods and doubts, their emotions and strength.
The falling in love is organic, feels natural and never overly sweet.
I love that her characters feel so realistic.
Elle and Julie are wonderful characters and their story was beautiful. And despite the realistic issues, still positive and heartwarming.
February 19, 2024
How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly
Love & Other Disasters series #3. Contemporary sapphic sports romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. The couple from the previous book are secondary characters in this book.
Julie Parker coaches a high school basketball team. She has a new student with enough attitude for the whole team. When the new foster parent shows up to support the teen, Julie knows it’s the perfect time to fill the open slot of assistant coach. Julie is a little star stuck by Elle Cochrane as a former WNBA player. As the two work together, sparks fly and soon practice turns to game on.
Depth of characters here include depression, self-labeling, imposter syndrome, adult friendships, and migraines, all of which are over and above being a foster parent of a teen.
I loved the level of communication between these women. Open, heartfelt and not afraid to touch the difficult topics.
I received this book from NetGalley.
Love & Other Disasters series #3. Contemporary sapphic sports romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. The couple from the previous book are secondary characters in this book.
Julie Parker coaches a high school basketball team. She has a new student with enough attitude for the whole team. When the new foster parent shows up to support the teen, Julie knows it’s the perfect time to fill the open slot of assistant coach. Julie is a little star stuck by Elle Cochrane as a former WNBA player. As the two work together, sparks fly and soon practice turns to game on.
Depth of characters here include depression, self-labeling, imposter syndrome, adult friendships, and migraines, all of which are over and above being a foster parent of a teen.
I loved the level of communication between these women. Open, heartfelt and not afraid to touch the difficult topics.
I received this book from NetGalley.
April 29, 2024
I was a tad bit more feral for Something Wild & Wonderful, but this book was so soft especially the relationship they both had with Elle’s cousin (once removed lol yes I had to google). I also love the idea of dating your idol and realizing that they’re even better as a real person. What a dream. Also I’m simply obsessed with Anita Kelly. I really need to go back and read book one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️/5
January 14, 2024
the aspec questioning/demi(?) rep just about took me out i’ve never felt so seen
also the taylor title im crying
also the taylor title im crying
January 30, 2024
My new favorite Anita Kelly. I savored this contemporary romance, not wanting it to end. It almost feels too personal to review; it made me cry almost every time I picked it up because of the relatability. But it also had so many delightful moments. First and foremost: we don’t get the “dating lessons” trope nearly often enough!
High school basketball coach Julie can’t believe her eyes when her long-time crush-from-afar walks into the gym. Elle is a foster parent for her cousin’s daughter Vanessa who has newly joined the team and a former WNBA player. Julie eventually ropes Elle into becoming her assistant coach. They start spending more time together and when Julie confesses she’s never dated or been sure she wanted to, Elle suggests they give dating lessons a try.
This had such a gentle approach to Julie figuring out her sexuality. She’s on the asexual-spectrum, possibly demisexual but possibly something else. I liked that this leaves things open-ended. Labels can be very helpful to people but they’re not necessary for everyone. What does become clear is that she has feelings for Elle and those feelings are worth exploring. It was lovely to watch play out and to see Elle accept Julie as she is regardless of inexperience and uncertainty. Julie is Julie and she’s enough.
This centers the role and importance of friendship when you’re single. It delves into the ways Julie’s friendships have changed and are changing with Ben moving away and how she’s no one’s first phone call anymore. Or when a loved one doesn’t share important news with you at all and you realize you’re not as important to them as you think. Julie is happy that her loved ones have found partners but she also feels left out. Friendship/found family is even more important when you don’t have a partner and this really gets at the uncertainty of these changes. I felt all of this so deeply.
While I primarily related to Julie, Elle’s storyline also got me because of the depiction of her depression. Mine manifests differently but there are some similarities. Mostly what I loved about it was the way Julie took care of her without Elle even asking, sometimes in spite of Elle’s protests. It was a great example of partnership and coming alongside someone during their darkest hours and loving them through it.
And then there’s the actual romance. Julie and Elle were so dang good together! Elle’s patience, Julie’s curiosity and open-heartedness. They’re great coaches and foster parents (OK Julie isn’t an official foster parent but she’s very involved with Vanessa’s care). And they have fantastic chemistry. Getting to watch Julie experience everything for the first time was such a treat. Also loved the Julie's cat Snoozles, the Nashville setting, as I lived there for five years, and all the secondary characters living out their HEAs. This book is going to have a special place in my heart for a long, long time.
Characters: Julie is a 28 year old white HS basketball coach and Vanderbilt alumni relations administrative assistant. She’s on the asexual spectrum, possibly demisexual, but hasn’t landed on a label. She has a cat named Snoozles. Elle is a 32 year old lesbian white Vanderbilt medical billing clerk and ex-WNBA player. She’s the temporary foster parent for her cousin Karly’s teen daughter Vanessa. This is set in Nashville.
Content notes: depression, Elle is a foster parent for cousin’s teen daughter, cousin in rehab for substance abuse, child neglect (teen secondary character), chronic migraines, Elle’s mom has fibromyalgia, top surgery (secondary character), sick cat and emergency vet visit (recovers), acknowledgment of homophobic and transphobic politics and legislation in TN, gender binary in sports and assumption the players are all girls, suspected infidelity (Elle’s ex-girlfriend), past career-ending injury (ACL), family planning discussion (fostering queer teens someday), Elle isn’t drinking alcohol while she’s a foster parent, past death of grandparents, Elle never knew her father, on page sex, alcohol (epilogue), inebriation (secondary characters), ageist jokes, diet culture, gendered pejoratives, ableist language, mention of former assistant coach being treated for ovarian cancer, mention of past player who dealt with disordered eating
Disclosure: I’m friendly with the author online, who provided this ARC.
High school basketball coach Julie can’t believe her eyes when her long-time crush-from-afar walks into the gym. Elle is a foster parent for her cousin’s daughter Vanessa who has newly joined the team and a former WNBA player. Julie eventually ropes Elle into becoming her assistant coach. They start spending more time together and when Julie confesses she’s never dated or been sure she wanted to, Elle suggests they give dating lessons a try.
This had such a gentle approach to Julie figuring out her sexuality. She’s on the asexual-spectrum, possibly demisexual but possibly something else. I liked that this leaves things open-ended. Labels can be very helpful to people but they’re not necessary for everyone. What does become clear is that she has feelings for Elle and those feelings are worth exploring. It was lovely to watch play out and to see Elle accept Julie as she is regardless of inexperience and uncertainty. Julie is Julie and she’s enough.
This centers the role and importance of friendship when you’re single. It delves into the ways Julie’s friendships have changed and are changing with Ben moving away and how she’s no one’s first phone call anymore. Or when a loved one doesn’t share important news with you at all and you realize you’re not as important to them as you think. Julie is happy that her loved ones have found partners but she also feels left out. Friendship/found family is even more important when you don’t have a partner and this really gets at the uncertainty of these changes. I felt all of this so deeply.
While I primarily related to Julie, Elle’s storyline also got me because of the depiction of her depression. Mine manifests differently but there are some similarities. Mostly what I loved about it was the way Julie took care of her without Elle even asking, sometimes in spite of Elle’s protests. It was a great example of partnership and coming alongside someone during their darkest hours and loving them through it.
And then there’s the actual romance. Julie and Elle were so dang good together! Elle’s patience, Julie’s curiosity and open-heartedness. They’re great coaches and foster parents (OK Julie isn’t an official foster parent but she’s very involved with Vanessa’s care). And they have fantastic chemistry. Getting to watch Julie experience everything for the first time was such a treat. Also loved the Julie's cat Snoozles, the Nashville setting, as I lived there for five years, and all the secondary characters living out their HEAs. This book is going to have a special place in my heart for a long, long time.
Characters: Julie is a 28 year old white HS basketball coach and Vanderbilt alumni relations administrative assistant. She’s on the asexual spectrum, possibly demisexual, but hasn’t landed on a label. She has a cat named Snoozles. Elle is a 32 year old lesbian white Vanderbilt medical billing clerk and ex-WNBA player. She’s the temporary foster parent for her cousin Karly’s teen daughter Vanessa. This is set in Nashville.
Content notes: depression, Elle is a foster parent for cousin’s teen daughter, cousin in rehab for substance abuse, child neglect (teen secondary character), chronic migraines, Elle’s mom has fibromyalgia, top surgery (secondary character), sick cat and emergency vet visit (recovers), acknowledgment of homophobic and transphobic politics and legislation in TN, gender binary in sports and assumption the players are all girls, suspected infidelity (Elle’s ex-girlfriend), past career-ending injury (ACL), family planning discussion (fostering queer teens someday), Elle isn’t drinking alcohol while she’s a foster parent, past death of grandparents, Elle never knew her father, on page sex, alcohol (epilogue), inebriation (secondary characters), ageist jokes, diet culture, gendered pejoratives, ableist language, mention of former assistant coach being treated for ovarian cancer, mention of past player who dealt with disordered eating
Disclosure: I’m friendly with the author online, who provided this ARC.
February 8, 2024
We all have a childhood hero(ine) or two, and we don't expect them to walk into our place of work...but for Julie, that's exactly what happens when Elle, a former basketball star who was a few years ahead of Julie at university, turns out to be the guardian of the newest student on the high-school basketball team Julie coaches. Occasional brush-ins turn into Elle becoming an assistant coach turns into...well, this is a romance novel.
This is a four-stars-and-a-caveat book for me. Kelly writes well, and these are fully fleshed out characters with interesting stories and (hurray) some solid doses of common sense. Things don't always go to plan (as well they shouldn't, in a romance novel), but I am always thrilled by the bare basics of healthy communication between romantic leads. (I grew up with very mediocre category romance and bodice rippers and haven't actually expanded from that as much as one might expect when it comes to the romance I read, so my standards are in some ways shockingly low. Rest assured that we get more than the bare basics here.) One of my favorite things here is how Julie and Elle's athleticism is treated: at their prime, they were both very, very good...but they weren't the best, and that's okay. They're no longer at their prime, and they recognize that, and that's okay too. It makes for a nice sense of balance and realism that you don't always get in romance.
The caveat: This isn't specific to this book, but golly gee I'm over the TikTok tropes. Again, Kelly has the writing chops to pull it off, but it's starting to feel like every big-publisher romance I read lately has been written with #EnemiesToLovers or #FakeDating or #GrumpyAndSunshine in mind. Grumpy millennial and all that (and I know full well that these tropes aren't new), but I suppose I just prefer plots that feel like they could happen in a version of the real life that I know (see: Julie and Elle's quiet, not-a-megastar lives). When was the last time anyone you knew started a fake romance or fell head over heels for their sworn enemy or whatever? Not that it's physically impossible, but...given the choice, I lean toward both real-like scenarios and romance-novel setups that feel a bit more plausible.
Ah well. On a less rant-y note: If you read Love & Other Disasters and Something Wild & Wonderful you'll recognize some of the secondary characters here—Kelly makes good use of them, keeping them to scenes that move plot and character development forward rather than just serving as a reminder of those characters' previous happily-ever-afters. (Did make me a bit bummed that there's not a lesbian version of Something Wild & Wonderful, but...what can you do!) The books can all be read as standalones and feel quite distinct, but there's plenty for fans of the earlier books as well.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
This is a four-stars-and-a-caveat book for me. Kelly writes well, and these are fully fleshed out characters with interesting stories and (hurray) some solid doses of common sense. Things don't always go to plan (as well they shouldn't, in a romance novel), but I am always thrilled by the bare basics of healthy communication between romantic leads. (I grew up with very mediocre category romance and bodice rippers and haven't actually expanded from that as much as one might expect when it comes to the romance I read, so my standards are in some ways shockingly low. Rest assured that we get more than the bare basics here.) One of my favorite things here is how Julie and Elle's athleticism is treated: at their prime, they were both very, very good...but they weren't the best, and that's okay. They're no longer at their prime, and they recognize that, and that's okay too. It makes for a nice sense of balance and realism that you don't always get in romance.
The caveat: This isn't specific to this book, but golly gee I'm over the TikTok tropes. Again, Kelly has the writing chops to pull it off, but it's starting to feel like every big-publisher romance I read lately has been written with #EnemiesToLovers or #FakeDating or #GrumpyAndSunshine in mind. Grumpy millennial and all that (and I know full well that these tropes aren't new), but I suppose I just prefer plots that feel like they could happen in a version of the real life that I know (see: Julie and Elle's quiet, not-a-megastar lives). When was the last time anyone you knew started a fake romance or fell head over heels for their sworn enemy or whatever? Not that it's physically impossible, but...given the choice, I lean toward both real-like scenarios and romance-novel setups that feel a bit more plausible.
Ah well. On a less rant-y note: If you read Love & Other Disasters and Something Wild & Wonderful you'll recognize some of the secondary characters here—Kelly makes good use of them, keeping them to scenes that move plot and character development forward rather than just serving as a reminder of those characters' previous happily-ever-afters. (Did make me a bit bummed that there's not a lesbian version of Something Wild & Wonderful, but...what can you do!) The books can all be read as standalones and feel quite distinct, but there's plenty for fans of the earlier books as well.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
January 13, 2024
Let me start by saying I enjoyed Love & Other Disasters and was absolutely OBSESSED with Something Wild & Wonderful, so I was optimistic about How You Get The Girl
Kind of a workplace romance with sports at the center, How You Get The Girl fell flat for me.
I found it very slow and boring from start to finish. There is a slowww build up to any romance and a long set up to actually understand/get to know the MCs.
I didn't feel connected to the two MCs nor did I feel the romantic connection between them. The banter wasn't there. I didn't buy into their attraction for each other nor why'd they work out. There just wasn't much chemistry, and it didn't feel like anything more than a celebrity crush come to life and meeting one's idol for the first time, not a long term relationship meant to be.
I also felt like there is just A LOT going on in this book, which forced the romance and other more interesting concepts to take a back burner. There are so many side characters, so many side plots and just not enough focus on the main story line. I feel like the MCs were side characters in their own book especially when characters from previous books took up a good chunk of this book as well. Felt like a disservice to Julie who we fell in love with in previous books.
And don't get me started on the weird, secret fake dating...
Wished I loved this one more, but thank you to the publisher for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Kind of a workplace romance with sports at the center, How You Get The Girl fell flat for me.
I found it very slow and boring from start to finish. There is a slowww build up to any romance and a long set up to actually understand/get to know the MCs.
I didn't feel connected to the two MCs nor did I feel the romantic connection between them. The banter wasn't there. I didn't buy into their attraction for each other nor why'd they work out. There just wasn't much chemistry, and it didn't feel like anything more than a celebrity crush come to life and meeting one's idol for the first time, not a long term relationship meant to be.
I also felt like there is just A LOT going on in this book, which forced the romance and other more interesting concepts to take a back burner. There are so many side characters, so many side plots and just not enough focus on the main story line. I feel like the MCs were side characters in their own book especially when characters from previous books took up a good chunk of this book as well. Felt like a disservice to Julie who we fell in love with in previous books.
And don't get me started on the weird, secret fake dating...
Wished I loved this one more, but thank you to the publisher for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 26, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I am mutuals with the author on social media.
I have been trying for days to write an organized, articulate, informational review of this book. But I'm giving up. I loved this on a deep, personal level. I cannot be objective. Without getting too personal on the world wide web, I have never felt so seen by a romance novel. Anita Kelly writes such caring books and I feel so safe reading them, which allows me to feel all the big feelings. Elle and Julie feel so real and relatable without being the kind of raw that would give the story sharp edges. I love them, and I love the cast of characters, and I love the gentle humor, and I love the unrelenting queerness of the whole world.
Reasons to read How You Get the Girl:
- tall lesbian MC with a penchant for well-tailored suits (!!!)
- tall acespec (? who needs labels) who basically only wears basketball shorts
- sympathetically foul-mouthed teenaged ward doing her best
- unquestionably accepting friends and family
- Snoozles the cat
- healthy grains
Please note that basketball is not on that list. Which, if you're a basketball fan, it may be on your list. But I couldn't care less about basketball (even with lesbians), so that was more incidental for me. If you're wary of sports romances, fear not.
I am honestly unsure if this is a rom com; it's certainly lighter than, say, Something Wild & Wonderful, and it made me laugh out loud a couple times, but I had so many big emotions I wouldn't say it's entirely comedic. Others may have a different take. Don't be fooled by the label, though: addiction and child neglect are important parts of this story if not the central elements. There are other serious moments as characters wrestle with deeply personal matters. Farcical romp this is not. But I wouldn't want this book to be sillier than it is. It's just the right amount of serious.
Five emotional stars from me! And I managed to even keep this review vaguely cohesive.
Overall rating: 5
Hannah Angst Scale rating: 2.5
Content notes: sexual identity questioning; foster care; parental neglect due to addiction; chronic migraines; depression; pet gets sick and has to have emergency surgery (positive outcome); passing mention of someone with ovarian cancer; brief mention of minor character's eating disorder; past sports injury requiring surgery; on page alcohol use; open door sex scenes
I have been trying for days to write an organized, articulate, informational review of this book. But I'm giving up. I loved this on a deep, personal level. I cannot be objective. Without getting too personal on the world wide web, I have never felt so seen by a romance novel. Anita Kelly writes such caring books and I feel so safe reading them, which allows me to feel all the big feelings. Elle and Julie feel so real and relatable without being the kind of raw that would give the story sharp edges. I love them, and I love the cast of characters, and I love the gentle humor, and I love the unrelenting queerness of the whole world.
Reasons to read How You Get the Girl:
- tall lesbian MC with a penchant for well-tailored suits (!!!)
- tall acespec (? who needs labels) who basically only wears basketball shorts
- sympathetically foul-mouthed teenaged ward doing her best
- unquestionably accepting friends and family
- Snoozles the cat
- healthy grains
Please note that basketball is not on that list. Which, if you're a basketball fan, it may be on your list. But I couldn't care less about basketball (even with lesbians), so that was more incidental for me. If you're wary of sports romances, fear not.
I am honestly unsure if this is a rom com; it's certainly lighter than, say, Something Wild & Wonderful, and it made me laugh out loud a couple times, but I had so many big emotions I wouldn't say it's entirely comedic. Others may have a different take. Don't be fooled by the label, though: addiction and child neglect are important parts of this story if not the central elements. There are other serious moments as characters wrestle with deeply personal matters. Farcical romp this is not. But I wouldn't want this book to be sillier than it is. It's just the right amount of serious.
Five emotional stars from me! And I managed to even keep this review vaguely cohesive.
Overall rating: 5
Hannah Angst Scale rating: 2.5
Content notes: sexual identity questioning; foster care; parental neglect due to addiction; chronic migraines; depression; pet gets sick and has to have emergency surgery (positive outcome); passing mention of someone with ovarian cancer; brief mention of minor character's eating disorder; past sports injury requiring surgery; on page alcohol use; open door sex scenes
February 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I have a bookmark from Anita Kelly that describes their work as “queer romance with heart and heat”, and I can’t think of a better description.
This book is a slow burn sapphic “practice dating” sports romance, but naming the various trope categories doesn’t do it justice. Julie is a high school basketball coach with an unfulfilling desk job. She has lots of people in her life, but they are all coupled up, while Julie has never dated and is still figuring out her own sexuality.
Elle is a former professional basketball player who carries some baggage from her past. Elle is fostering a teenager called Vanessa, who is her cousin’s daughter. Vanessa join’s Julie’s basketball team and this brings Elle into her life. Julie spent many years as a super fan of Elle’s, and it was really fun to see how Julie copes with being suddenly confronted with her idol.
They develop a friendship, and Julie struggles with figuring out how to handle her feelings for Elle. Julie has a lot of hang ups about her lack of experience, and continued uncertainty about whether she’s interested in dating and romantic and sexual relationships. Elle offers to “practice” dating with Julie, to help Julie figure things out. Of course they both are clearly into each other!
I loved how kind and gentle Elle was with Julie, and how she was so supportive of her process of self discovery. Julie in turn also offers Elle support when Elle confronts some of her own issues. I am a sucker for acts of care and small ways of showing love, and this book had many of these moments!
It was really satisfying to see my faves from the previous two books in this series. In particular Ben and Lex, who are my absolute favourites! I don’t think you need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one, but it adds to the experience for sure.
Recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC!
This book is a slow burn sapphic “practice dating” sports romance, but naming the various trope categories doesn’t do it justice. Julie is a high school basketball coach with an unfulfilling desk job. She has lots of people in her life, but they are all coupled up, while Julie has never dated and is still figuring out her own sexuality.
Elle is a former professional basketball player who carries some baggage from her past. Elle is fostering a teenager called Vanessa, who is her cousin’s daughter. Vanessa join’s Julie’s basketball team and this brings Elle into her life. Julie spent many years as a super fan of Elle’s, and it was really fun to see how Julie copes with being suddenly confronted with her idol.
They develop a friendship, and Julie struggles with figuring out how to handle her feelings for Elle. Julie has a lot of hang ups about her lack of experience, and continued uncertainty about whether she’s interested in dating and romantic and sexual relationships. Elle offers to “practice” dating with Julie, to help Julie figure things out. Of course they both are clearly into each other!
I loved how kind and gentle Elle was with Julie, and how she was so supportive of her process of self discovery. Julie in turn also offers Elle support when Elle confronts some of her own issues. I am a sucker for acts of care and small ways of showing love, and this book had many of these moments!
It was really satisfying to see my faves from the previous two books in this series. In particular Ben and Lex, who are my absolute favourites! I don’t think you need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one, but it adds to the experience for sure.
Recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC!
April 10, 2024
I was at a bit of an emotional remove from this one, and I don't know why, but it was still a fun time. Julie was v. relatable and Elle made my heart hurt. I skipped all the sex scenes.
Read Harder Challenge 2024: Read a book by an author with an upcoming event (virtual or in person) and then attend the event. (Saw them at the 2024 Tucson Festival of Books and got this book signed!)
Read Harder Challenge 2024: Read a book by an author with an upcoming event (virtual or in person) and then attend the event. (Saw them at the 2024 Tucson Festival of Books and got this book signed!)
November 26, 2023
This is a heartwarming story about identity and sexuality with a sweet, slow-burn romance. The main character, Julie, is struggling with labeling her identity and where she thinks she's meant to be in life. It's also a sports story about women's basketball, and the main character is a basketball coach who meets Elle the other mc, who was her basketball crush and a popular queer ex basketball player. Together they navigate Elle's guardianship of her niece, the foster care system, relationships, identity, and mental health. This book is very character-focused, I think the character development was more than the romance side at times. Overall I liked the romance it was cute, and I appreciated the way serious issues were written and addressed. Thank you Forever for this arc.
Read for:
- Queer romance
- Identity exploration
- Sports romance
- Basketball coaches
- Mental health rep
Read for:
- Queer romance
- Identity exploration
- Sports romance
- Basketball coaches
- Mental health rep
February 23, 2024
Anita Kelly did it again! They wrote a book that made me feel all the potential for queer joy and love in this world, amidst a cast of characters that I adore with all my heart. ❤️ this is an incredible end to the trilogy, except I hope it isn’t the end, because we need more Hank amiright?!?
October 30, 2023
I think it’s my sworn duty to read every queer southerner romance🫡 plus the Taylor Swift title…I mean I couldn’t have been more sold. And then even just the dedication immediately got me.
As for the book itself, I’m not a sports fan at all, but I think I must be a sports romance fan because the flirty competition??? It’s everything.
Julie and Elle are both great and complement each other so well. I love the whole “late bloomer” aspect and discussions of how there should be no pressure to figure out your identity. I also loved how Elle, specifically, was completely supportive since Julie was super self-conscious about it. They were both just so supportive and caring for each other and their loved ones. I appreciated that they encouraged each other to extend that same care to themselves and be more forgiving and gracious to themselves, even if they weren’t where they thought they’d be in life or thought they had too many shortcomings.
they take care of each other!!!
The pencils!!!
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As for the book itself, I’m not a sports fan at all, but I think I must be a sports romance fan because the flirty competition??? It’s everything.
Julie and Elle are both great and complement each other so well. I love the whole “late bloomer” aspect and discussions of how there should be no pressure to figure out your identity. I also loved how Elle, specifically, was completely supportive since Julie was super self-conscious about it. They were both just so supportive and caring for each other and their loved ones. I appreciated that they encouraged each other to extend that same care to themselves and be more forgiving and gracious to themselves, even if they weren’t where they thought they’d be in life or thought they had too many shortcomings.
they take care of each other!!!
The pencils!!!
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2024
A queer romance with a basketball theme, be still my beating heart!
I am such a sucker for sports romances, and Kelly writes a great queer one about women's basketball, my favorite of all sports. Julie Parker coaches high school basketball, but isn't prepared when the team's newest addition, Vanessa, is picked up by her foster parent, Elle Cochran. Elle just happens to be one of the most famous college basketball players in their state of Tennessee, but hasn't been seen since she left the WNBA six years ago. Julie worshiped Elle growing up and feels completely awkward around her hero. Elle, meanwhile, is trying to adjust to be a foster parent to Vanessa, her niece.
This is such a fun read! I love that a queer basketball romance for adults exists. There are so many good sports tidbits here and the joy of Julie's team discovering themselves on the court. We get references and mentions of Elle's life at UT and in the WNBA... I just love all of this stuff, so I was in seventh heaven.
Of course, at its heart, this is a romance. Julie, we learn, is figuring out who she is and how she relates to others romantically and sexually. Does she believe in labels and do they even apply to her? More practically, does she want to be in a relationship, especially one with Elle? Elle is bringing up feelings Julie hasn't felt in a long time, maybe ever. And Elle herself is attracted to Julie, but finding it hard to come out of the safe cocoon she's made for herself. Kelly allows the characters to be raw and vulnerable, especially as they explore Elle's mental health struggles and Julie's fears and worries about her sexuality.
Elle volunteers to "fake date" Julie to help her learn about relationships and see if it's something she would like. The result is a slow burn romance with funny banter, excellent chemistry, and lots of exploration. The two women are often serious as they explore love, foster parenthood, and queer labels, but the story is really hilarious too. When Julie's cat Snoozles gets sick, for instance--a moment that should seem dire winds up being so amusing.
There are a few times where Julie pontificates a bit much for my taste and the book feels long. This is also the third book in a series. While it's one of those interconnected series where each book stands alone, there are a lot of references to the characters in the previous two books and it sometimes feels as if you're missing out on inside jokes by not reading the earlier books. Overall, though, this is an excellent story that explores queer romance through the prism of basketball and much more.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review.
I am such a sucker for sports romances, and Kelly writes a great queer one about women's basketball, my favorite of all sports. Julie Parker coaches high school basketball, but isn't prepared when the team's newest addition, Vanessa, is picked up by her foster parent, Elle Cochran. Elle just happens to be one of the most famous college basketball players in their state of Tennessee, but hasn't been seen since she left the WNBA six years ago. Julie worshiped Elle growing up and feels completely awkward around her hero. Elle, meanwhile, is trying to adjust to be a foster parent to Vanessa, her niece.
This is such a fun read! I love that a queer basketball romance for adults exists. There are so many good sports tidbits here and the joy of Julie's team discovering themselves on the court. We get references and mentions of Elle's life at UT and in the WNBA... I just love all of this stuff, so I was in seventh heaven.
Of course, at its heart, this is a romance. Julie, we learn, is figuring out who she is and how she relates to others romantically and sexually. Does she believe in labels and do they even apply to her? More practically, does she want to be in a relationship, especially one with Elle? Elle is bringing up feelings Julie hasn't felt in a long time, maybe ever. And Elle herself is attracted to Julie, but finding it hard to come out of the safe cocoon she's made for herself. Kelly allows the characters to be raw and vulnerable, especially as they explore Elle's mental health struggles and Julie's fears and worries about her sexuality.
Elle volunteers to "fake date" Julie to help her learn about relationships and see if it's something she would like. The result is a slow burn romance with funny banter, excellent chemistry, and lots of exploration. The two women are often serious as they explore love, foster parenthood, and queer labels, but the story is really hilarious too. When Julie's cat Snoozles gets sick, for instance--a moment that should seem dire winds up being so amusing.
There are a few times where Julie pontificates a bit much for my taste and the book feels long. This is also the third book in a series. While it's one of those interconnected series where each book stands alone, there are a lot of references to the characters in the previous two books and it sometimes feels as if you're missing out on inside jokes by not reading the earlier books. Overall, though, this is an excellent story that explores queer romance through the prism of basketball and much more.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review.
July 5, 2024
Actual rating - 4.5 (the cover is NOT to my taste and did back-shelf this for a bit for me).
Former college and professional basketball star Elle Cochran is suddenly a foster parent to high-schooler Vanessa, who is encouraged to join the school basketball team. After a disasterous pro-career ending in injury and depression, Elle is anxious about re-entering the world of basketball, even as a spectator. So when the coach asks Elle to help co-lead the team, Elle is reluctant but finally says yes, even if it is mostly to get closer to the adorable Julie.
Julie is utterly star-struck by the woman who's poster she had taped up in her teen-hood bedroom, and is elated to get a chance to work alongside her hero. When Elle offers to coach Julie in dating and relationships, she jumps at the chance to explore her sexuality.
what a great book. i had so much fun with Julie and Elle, and I love how tenderly Julie's sexuality was discovered. Julie has landed on the ace//demisexual label, but isn't quite keen on even having a label, and Elle is comfortable to explore that with her. Elle herself has depression, and seeing how her depression was also hard and hopeful. There's no easy "cures" or "solutions" in this romance (as there should not be, because that's not how it works) but seeing how Elle and Julie fell in love and made it work was so gorgeous.
basically if anita kelly writes it, i'll read it. period.
Former college and professional basketball star Elle Cochran is suddenly a foster parent to high-schooler Vanessa, who is encouraged to join the school basketball team. After a disasterous pro-career ending in injury and depression, Elle is anxious about re-entering the world of basketball, even as a spectator. So when the coach asks Elle to help co-lead the team, Elle is reluctant but finally says yes, even if it is mostly to get closer to the adorable Julie.
Julie is utterly star-struck by the woman who's poster she had taped up in her teen-hood bedroom, and is elated to get a chance to work alongside her hero. When Elle offers to coach Julie in dating and relationships, she jumps at the chance to explore her sexuality.
what a great book. i had so much fun with Julie and Elle, and I love how tenderly Julie's sexuality was discovered. Julie has landed on the ace//demisexual label, but isn't quite keen on even having a label, and Elle is comfortable to explore that with her. Elle herself has depression, and seeing how her depression was also hard and hopeful. There's no easy "cures" or "solutions" in this romance (as there should not be, because that's not how it works) but seeing how Elle and Julie fell in love and made it work was so gorgeous.
basically if anita kelly writes it, i'll read it. period.
May 30, 2024
4.25. This book is fantastic!! Love love love all the discussions of mental health, queerness, and the general melancholy associated with being an adult. Plus, Julie and Elle are so sweet together! The reason I’m not giving a full 5 stars is that the pacing was a bit slow for my liking and I sometimes found it hard to stay invested. But overall, Anita Kelly has definitely delivered!
October 30, 2023
If you get access to a new Anita Kelly book, you know you have to read it immediately. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024, so I'm so happy I got to read it early. And I can only say I was right to look forward to it so much, because this was once again amazing. It's probably one of my favourite sapphic books I've read.
Of course it was amazing to see the characters from the previous books again, but it was also so amazing to get to know these main characters (better). This book made me feel so soft inside, because it was so filled with care for others. I just came to love these characters so incredibly much and it was wonderful to see them grow together.
Of course it was amazing to see the characters from the previous books again, but it was also so amazing to get to know these main characters (better). This book made me feel so soft inside, because it was so filled with care for others. I just came to love these characters so incredibly much and it was wonderful to see them grow together.
June 15, 2024
I was always planning on reading this book. Eventually. But when Kay gave this book 5 stars, I moved it up my priority list. And I'm glad I did.
I have a lot of complaints about the current state of [sapphic] romance: instant love and/or instant sex; too much femme (and femme-femme, specifically) representation; characters who are inexplicably wealthy and/or have unrealistic jobs; characters who live in small communities with disproportionately-large queer communities; and, most importantly, books that are just poorly written, with stale or unrealistic characters and dialogue, and books that fail to make me feel anything on an emotional level. But How You Get the Girl delivered in almost every way.
Julie Parker works an office job that bores her (points for realistic job in a real and big city!). She feels twenty steps behind her twin and her best friend and basically everyone her age who all seem to be doing something (and something successful) with their lives. The only thing that's given her some satisfaction is coaching the girls basketball team at the high school she graduated from.
When she finds out that the guardian of her newest player is her long-time crush, former University of Tennessee basketball star, Elle Cochrane, Julie does a banger job of not playing it cool and making Elle, who's disappeared from the basketball world for several years, more than a little uncomfortable. Mostly because the Elle who played at UT, whose posters adored Julie's childhood bedroom, is not the star everyone thought she'd be. She's barely managing to treat her depression, while also suddenly finding herself in charge of a teenager, all while working a job that brings her little joy (points again for realistic job in a big city and for someone with realistic problems!).
But things change for Julie and Elle when, to the surprise of everyone but especially to Elle, she agrees to be Julie's assistant coach, stepping onto a basketball court for the first time in nearly a decade.
I was invested in this story from go, even with the UConn digs (which hit me at a personal level. LOL). Julie is awkward and smart and funny and honest. Elle is kind and insecure and humble. Neither are perfect. Their relationship is definitely not easy and they each must battle their own demons. Their moments of intimacy are messy and imperfect (and also sexy) in a way that is endearingly realistic. Neither are particularly butch/masc nor femme, but rather somewhere in-between, which felt refreshingly accurate. Also, the dialogue in this is A+.
I haven't read the first two books in the series, but I will be changing that as soon as I can get my hands on the first book because I enjoyed London and Dahlia's characters so much. And I will probably read book 2, which is about Julie's gay bff and his love story, but jury is still out on that one. But I know I will come back to How You Get the Girl pretty soon. I loved it.
I have a lot of complaints about the current state of [sapphic] romance: instant love and/or instant sex; too much femme (and femme-femme, specifically) representation; characters who are inexplicably wealthy and/or have unrealistic jobs; characters who live in small communities with disproportionately-large queer communities; and, most importantly, books that are just poorly written, with stale or unrealistic characters and dialogue, and books that fail to make me feel anything on an emotional level. But How You Get the Girl delivered in almost every way.
Julie Parker works an office job that bores her (points for realistic job in a real and big city!). She feels twenty steps behind her twin and her best friend and basically everyone her age who all seem to be doing something (and something successful) with their lives. The only thing that's given her some satisfaction is coaching the girls basketball team at the high school she graduated from.
When she finds out that the guardian of her newest player is her long-time crush, former University of Tennessee basketball star, Elle Cochrane, Julie does a banger job of not playing it cool and making Elle, who's disappeared from the basketball world for several years, more than a little uncomfortable. Mostly because the Elle who played at UT, whose posters adored Julie's childhood bedroom, is not the star everyone thought she'd be. She's barely managing to treat her depression, while also suddenly finding herself in charge of a teenager, all while working a job that brings her little joy (points again for realistic job in a big city and for someone with realistic problems!).
But things change for Julie and Elle when, to the surprise of everyone but especially to Elle, she agrees to be Julie's assistant coach, stepping onto a basketball court for the first time in nearly a decade.
I was invested in this story from go, even with the UConn digs (which hit me at a personal level. LOL). Julie is awkward and smart and funny and honest. Elle is kind and insecure and humble. Neither are perfect. Their relationship is definitely not easy and they each must battle their own demons. Their moments of intimacy are messy and imperfect (and also sexy) in a way that is endearingly realistic. Neither are particularly butch/masc nor femme, but rather somewhere in-between, which felt refreshingly accurate. Also, the dialogue in this is A+.
I haven't read the first two books in the series, but I will be changing that as soon as I can get my hands on the first book because I enjoyed London and Dahlia's characters so much. And I will probably read book 2, which is about Julie's gay bff and his love story, but jury is still out on that one. But I know I will come back to How You Get the Girl pretty soon. I loved it.
May 28, 2024
Thank you so much to Forever and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
This was such a wonderful conclusion to this delightfully queer romance series. I loved all of these characters so much and loved getting to see glimpses of them in this final book as well.
This is following Julie who feels aimless and lost. She doesn't have a partner, career plan, or anything she's planning for. But when she meets her college basketball idol, she finds herself on a path to figure things out.
One of the things I love most in Anita Kelly's books are the non-conventional relationships (not just romantic but familial and platonic as well) she integrates into her stories. They're always complex and messy and feel so very real.
This one has Elle who is unexpectedly the foster parent to her teenage niece after her sister finds herself in rehab. There was so much nuance to this dynamic that I loved seeing explored - the anger, the love, and the fear. And Anitia Kelly handled it all expertly.
I also loved that Julie was exploring her identity and labels well into adulthood. I think we often think of this as a "teenage" thing that happens a single time. However, I think for many of us, this is an ongoing discovery. And even more, I appreciated how much emphasis was put onto the fact that a specific label was important or necessary to your queer identity.
The only thing that held this back from a 5 star read, was the romance itself. While I loved both of the heroines, and I loved them together, I never really felt their romance develop. I don't know if it was because so much time was spent on the other elements or what, but I didn't feel like we had much time with the characters falling for each other. So I was left feeling somewhat emotionally detached from the romance itself.
Anita Kelly is an auto read author for me. Whatever they write will immediately be added to the top of my TBR. And I can't wait to see what they do next!
This was such a wonderful conclusion to this delightfully queer romance series. I loved all of these characters so much and loved getting to see glimpses of them in this final book as well.
This is following Julie who feels aimless and lost. She doesn't have a partner, career plan, or anything she's planning for. But when she meets her college basketball idol, she finds herself on a path to figure things out.
One of the things I love most in Anita Kelly's books are the non-conventional relationships (not just romantic but familial and platonic as well) she integrates into her stories. They're always complex and messy and feel so very real.
This one has Elle who is unexpectedly the foster parent to her teenage niece after her sister finds herself in rehab. There was so much nuance to this dynamic that I loved seeing explored - the anger, the love, and the fear. And Anitia Kelly handled it all expertly.
I also loved that Julie was exploring her identity and labels well into adulthood. I think we often think of this as a "teenage" thing that happens a single time. However, I think for many of us, this is an ongoing discovery. And even more, I appreciated how much emphasis was put onto the fact that a specific label was important or necessary to your queer identity.
The only thing that held this back from a 5 star read, was the romance itself. While I loved both of the heroines, and I loved them together, I never really felt their romance develop. I don't know if it was because so much time was spent on the other elements or what, but I didn't feel like we had much time with the characters falling for each other. So I was left feeling somewhat emotionally detached from the romance itself.
Anita Kelly is an auto read author for me. Whatever they write will immediately be added to the top of my TBR. And I can't wait to see what they do next!
February 18, 2024
Another hit from Anita Kelly!! It was bittersweet to say goodbye to this amazing group of found family and friends but this was one of the most satisfying fake dating, dual POV, Sapphic romances I've read in ages and is one not to be missed!
I loved getting to know more about London's sister, Julie in this book. Her search and yearning to find a label for her sexual identity was so relatable and heartfelt. I really enjoyed that she never did land on something and that it was OKAY! Whether Julie was on the Ace spectrum, demisexual or something else, she was just a great person who found herself falling in love with her childhood crush, former pro women's basketball star, Elle Conway.
Elle for her part was another extremely relatable character for me. She recently took in Vanessa, her cousin's daughter after the teen girl's mom went into rehab. Learning how to be a caregiver for a teenager was a learning curve, but Julie was super supportive and found a way to get Elle to help her with coaching Vanessa's new high school basketball team, the Bobcats.
Heartfelt, with lots of funny moments, lots of sentimental moments and lots of serious moments too. The conversations between friends in this book was great with a full cast of AMAZING queer characters. Also top notch was the mental health and chronic pain rep. Elle suffers from migraines and depression and isn't shy about talking about it.
I can't wait to read whatever Anita Kelly writes next. This book is sure to give you all the feels but probably works best if you've read the first two books in the series as there are cameos from all the previous couples. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: open door, some explicit scenes
I loved getting to know more about London's sister, Julie in this book. Her search and yearning to find a label for her sexual identity was so relatable and heartfelt. I really enjoyed that she never did land on something and that it was OKAY! Whether Julie was on the Ace spectrum, demisexual or something else, she was just a great person who found herself falling in love with her childhood crush, former pro women's basketball star, Elle Conway.
Elle for her part was another extremely relatable character for me. She recently took in Vanessa, her cousin's daughter after the teen girl's mom went into rehab. Learning how to be a caregiver for a teenager was a learning curve, but Julie was super supportive and found a way to get Elle to help her with coaching Vanessa's new high school basketball team, the Bobcats.
Heartfelt, with lots of funny moments, lots of sentimental moments and lots of serious moments too. The conversations between friends in this book was great with a full cast of AMAZING queer characters. Also top notch was the mental health and chronic pain rep. Elle suffers from migraines and depression and isn't shy about talking about it.
I can't wait to read whatever Anita Kelly writes next. This book is sure to give you all the feels but probably works best if you've read the first two books in the series as there are cameos from all the previous couples. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: open door, some explicit scenes
February 18, 2024
I absolutely loved the first two books in this series and when I saw the covers for this I knew I had to read it too.I mean sports romance? Come on, it was screaming my name!
.
Who said you’ve got everything figured out and life is over when you get 30?
Maybe it’s just the start, maybe you don’t know shit about yourself and just maybe you’re allowed to discover new things and fall in love for the first time.
Julie is coaching a highschool basketball team next to her boring desk job, when one day her teenage athlete crush is standing on her court.
Elle, disappearing from her WNBA career out of nowhere years ago, even more suddenly became the foster parent for her teenage niece and now needs to juggle her own life and Vanessa’s life.
Both woman’s lives get flipped upside down in that moment and I loved reading about their personal crisis so much! 😂
.
Anita Kelly really is royalty in making me feel all the feels, turning me into a blob of mush, grinning like an idiot.
This book was the absolute softest thing ever, there was so much caring and patience, so many cute moments.
While Elle is trying to figure out how to take care of a moody teenager, facing her basketball trauma, trying to not completely lose her fixed routines, Julie is confronted with finding a label for herself and having many firsts.
.
I love how Anita Kelly writes about adult people trying to figure stuff out about themselves, when everyone thinks you already know everything when you’re older. You don’t! There’s always stuff to learn, ways to grow and there is no set timeline for it, even if society often makes you feel there is.
Books with adult aspec MCs always make me so happy too and reading about Elle being the most caring and patient person ever with Julie made me shed tears of joy.
Also migraine rep in media??? And accurate one at that? I rarely see it and loves it!!! It was (sadly) so relatable.
Their characters are always so fleshed out, you feel like you know them and they could be your next door neighbours. They feel real!
I loved the cameos, the wholesomeness of it all and cannot wait to read their next book!!!
.
Who said you’ve got everything figured out and life is over when you get 30?
Maybe it’s just the start, maybe you don’t know shit about yourself and just maybe you’re allowed to discover new things and fall in love for the first time.
Julie is coaching a highschool basketball team next to her boring desk job, when one day her teenage athlete crush is standing on her court.
Elle, disappearing from her WNBA career out of nowhere years ago, even more suddenly became the foster parent for her teenage niece and now needs to juggle her own life and Vanessa’s life.
Both woman’s lives get flipped upside down in that moment and I loved reading about their personal crisis so much! 😂
.
Anita Kelly really is royalty in making me feel all the feels, turning me into a blob of mush, grinning like an idiot.
This book was the absolute softest thing ever, there was so much caring and patience, so many cute moments.
While Elle is trying to figure out how to take care of a moody teenager, facing her basketball trauma, trying to not completely lose her fixed routines, Julie is confronted with finding a label for herself and having many firsts.
.
I love how Anita Kelly writes about adult people trying to figure stuff out about themselves, when everyone thinks you already know everything when you’re older. You don’t! There’s always stuff to learn, ways to grow and there is no set timeline for it, even if society often makes you feel there is.
Books with adult aspec MCs always make me so happy too and reading about Elle being the most caring and patient person ever with Julie made me shed tears of joy.
Also migraine rep in media??? And accurate one at that? I rarely see it and loves it!!! It was (sadly) so relatable.
Their characters are always so fleshed out, you feel like you know them and they could be your next door neighbours. They feel real!
I loved the cameos, the wholesomeness of it all and cannot wait to read their next book!!!
Want to read
June 9, 2023Ok so I was wrong. Meryl Wilsner isnt the only person who can get me to read about the sports ball.
IM JUST AS EXCITED ABOUT THIS SAPPHIC SPORTSBALL BOOK!!! 🔥❤😍🌈
IM JUST AS EXCITED ABOUT THIS SAPPHIC SPORTSBALL BOOK!!! 🔥❤😍🌈
April 18, 2024
I was so pumped to see a sapphic romance set with a basketball theme. How You Get the Girl unfolds a gorgeous narrative where personal discovery and a very sweet romance intertwine beautifully with the game of basketball. Julie, a high school basketball coach muddling through her identity and romantic inclinations, meets Elle, a celebrated former basketball player and queer icon who is now fostering her niece. Elle’s presence in Julie's life sparks both admiration and introspective thoughts about her own desires and insecurities. To help Julie, Elle suggests they "practice date," providing an opportunity for exploring their feelings in a supportive, non-judgmental setting. This slow-burn romance is thoughtfully layered with moments of profound connection and mutual support, effectively showcasing how personal challenges around identity, family obligations, and past traumas can intertwine with romantic developments.
Elle and Julie's evolving relationship is characterised by kindness and deep understanding, highlighting small, everyday acts of love that define and enrich their connection. This narrative isn't just about falling in love but also about navigating life’s complexities. The story is rich in character development, often prioritising personal growth over romantic plot progression, which enriches the emotional depth of the narrative. It thoughtfully addresses significant themes such as mental health, the foster care system, and the challenges of guardianship, adding layers of realism and empathy to the story.
Fans of the series will appreciate cameos from beloved characters in earlier books, though as a newcomer to the series, I also enjoyed Julie and Elle's story as a standalone. How You Get the Girl is a celebration of finding oneself and finding love, packaged in a narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotional resonance. A great novel from Anita Kelly.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Elle and Julie's evolving relationship is characterised by kindness and deep understanding, highlighting small, everyday acts of love that define and enrich their connection. This narrative isn't just about falling in love but also about navigating life’s complexities. The story is rich in character development, often prioritising personal growth over romantic plot progression, which enriches the emotional depth of the narrative. It thoughtfully addresses significant themes such as mental health, the foster care system, and the challenges of guardianship, adding layers of realism and empathy to the story.
Fans of the series will appreciate cameos from beloved characters in earlier books, though as a newcomer to the series, I also enjoyed Julie and Elle's story as a standalone. How You Get the Girl is a celebration of finding oneself and finding love, packaged in a narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotional resonance. A great novel from Anita Kelly.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2024
How You Get the Girl has sapphic romance, basketball, struggling with labels, figuring out what you want from your life, and so much more! Julie Parker is a high school basketball coach who has never been in a relationship. Enter Elle Cochrane, a former college basketball star who had a short career in the WNBA. When Elle’s niece Vanessa joins Coach Parker’s team, Elle steps back onto the court for the first time in eight years to help out Julie as an assistant coach.
I thought that the chemistry between Julie and Elle was great in all the different facets of their relationship, how they work together as coaches, friends, and then later on “practice” dates. Julie is really insecure about the fact that she’s never dated or slept with anyone and doesn’t feel confident about what her label is, maybe somewhere on the ace spectrum (but she’s not sure). She sees all these other queer people who have claimed their labels and have seemed certain from a young age. Elle helps Julie to get out of her own head a bit and take dates and other relationship steps out for a test run. But of course real feelings end up getting involved.
Outside of the relationship between Elle and Julie I also loved the story about Elle becoming a foster parent to her teenage niece Vanessa. It brings up a lot of good conversations about family and also forces Elle out of the rut that she had been in. Because of their partnership, both Elle and Julie end up rethinking what they ultimately want out of life.
I definitely recommend checking this one out if you’re a fan of sapphic romances. It has some serious moments, but it’s also full of fun and swoony times as well. And while it’s not marketed as part of a series, if you liked Anita Kelly’s other books Love & Other Disasters and Something Wild & Wonderful, you’ll get to see a lot of those couples since they’re related to/friends with Julie.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thought that the chemistry between Julie and Elle was great in all the different facets of their relationship, how they work together as coaches, friends, and then later on “practice” dates. Julie is really insecure about the fact that she’s never dated or slept with anyone and doesn’t feel confident about what her label is, maybe somewhere on the ace spectrum (but she’s not sure). She sees all these other queer people who have claimed their labels and have seemed certain from a young age. Elle helps Julie to get out of her own head a bit and take dates and other relationship steps out for a test run. But of course real feelings end up getting involved.
Outside of the relationship between Elle and Julie I also loved the story about Elle becoming a foster parent to her teenage niece Vanessa. It brings up a lot of good conversations about family and also forces Elle out of the rut that she had been in. Because of their partnership, both Elle and Julie end up rethinking what they ultimately want out of life.
I definitely recommend checking this one out if you’re a fan of sapphic romances. It has some serious moments, but it’s also full of fun and swoony times as well. And while it’s not marketed as part of a series, if you liked Anita Kelly’s other books Love & Other Disasters and Something Wild & Wonderful, you’ll get to see a lot of those couples since they’re related to/friends with Julie.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2024
This is the 3rd book I’ve read from this author now and this one is my least fav of those. This still had moments I really enjoyed, especially in regard to the found family and the friend group…so strong! This was just mostly low angst and chill and that just wasn’t the type of read I was gravitating toward when I read it. So probably a me thing of why this didn’t hit right for me.
Basically we have a highschool basketball coach, ace spectrum rep, foster parenting/family situation, lessons or practice for dating.
Basically we have a highschool basketball coach, ace spectrum rep, foster parenting/family situation, lessons or practice for dating.
March 13, 2024
3.8 ⭐️ This was seriously cute sapphic romance.
If you’re looking for something low angst with themes of first attraction and later in life coming out this is for you. Coming out was handled so well in this, as was the lack of pressure surrounding labels.
An ex pro athlete meets high school basketball coach romance with a dash of spice that will have you smiling so much.
Rep/ Lesbian MC ( who lives with chronic migraines and occasional depression), Sapphic & questioning demi MC, non binary SC, Gay SC, Sapphic SCs. Central relationship is WLW / Sapphic.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for review.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
TW// sick pet, illness (migraines and depression), alcohol, coming out themes, sex on page (masturbation, oral and fingering)
If you’re looking for something low angst with themes of first attraction and later in life coming out this is for you. Coming out was handled so well in this, as was the lack of pressure surrounding labels.
An ex pro athlete meets high school basketball coach romance with a dash of spice that will have you smiling so much.
Rep/ Lesbian MC ( who lives with chronic migraines and occasional depression), Sapphic & questioning demi MC, non binary SC, Gay SC, Sapphic SCs. Central relationship is WLW / Sapphic.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for review.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
TW// sick pet, illness (migraines and depression), alcohol, coming out themes, sex on page (masturbation, oral and fingering)
June 16, 2024
This was so good!
I really enjoy how much heart Kelly writes into their stories, and this was a very cute romance plus wrapping up ends of the past two couples' romances. Loved seeing more London & Dahlia and Ben & Lex cameos.
Julie and Elle's romance was fast in time, but felt longer with how much emotion and depth the characters went through. Elle working through fostering her niece and being a guardian, dealing with migraines and depression. Julie coaching, supporting Elle's family, dealing with her own family, having an ace/demi awakening.
I didn't have huge feelings or emotions or breakthroughs reading this but it also feels more than a 4 star read? I am very happy with everyone getting HEAs and being together, I am happy for this romance duo, the plot and characters felt fleshed out. This had just enough angst while also feeling like a very mature no-nonsense relationship. I appreciated that while this has basketball, it wasn't a sports romance. Great audio narration.
Good vibes all around.
I really enjoy how much heart Kelly writes into their stories, and this was a very cute romance plus wrapping up ends of the past two couples' romances. Loved seeing more London & Dahlia and Ben & Lex cameos.
Julie and Elle's romance was fast in time, but felt longer with how much emotion and depth the characters went through. Elle working through fostering her niece and being a guardian, dealing with migraines and depression. Julie coaching, supporting Elle's family, dealing with her own family, having an ace/demi awakening.
I didn't have huge feelings or emotions or breakthroughs reading this but it also feels more than a 4 star read? I am very happy with everyone getting HEAs and being together, I am happy for this romance duo, the plot and characters felt fleshed out. This had just enough angst while also feeling like a very mature no-nonsense relationship. I appreciated that while this has basketball, it wasn't a sports romance. Great audio narration.
Good vibes all around.
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