currentlyreadingbynat's Reviews > How You Get the Girl

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.