Claire aka DocReads's Reviews > How You Get the Girl

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!